Sumac Tree Info Learn About Common Sumac Varieties For Gardens

Are there different types of sumac?
How do you identify a sumac tree?
How fast do sumac trees grow?
Does sumac need sun or shade?
What kills sumac trees?
How do you stop sumac from spreading?
What are sumac trees good for?
Is sumac poisonous to touch?
How do you kill sumac trees naturally?
What is the difference between poison sumac and regular sumac?
Do sumac trees have deep roots?
Is sumac poisonous to dogs?

Are there different types of sumac?

The most popular sumacs for landscape use are winged, staghorn, and smooth sumac, either the native wild species or specially-bred cultivated varieties such as the golden leaf “Tiger Eye” sumac. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a small tree with branches that spread to make a small rounded crown.

How do you identify a sumac tree?

Shining sumac is easily identified by its grooved stems between the leaflets. This stem configuration is quite distinctive once you notice it – it looks like it has been given grooves. Poison sumac has smooth, round stems.

How fast do sumac trees grow?

Growth Habit

The staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a loosely formed shrub or weedy tree of fast growth rate, which means it grows at least 24 inches in a season, sometimes more. Winter hardy to USDA zones 3 through 8, it has a flat-topped crown and can grow to between 15 and 25 feet, and will sucker if not tended.

Does sumac need sun or shade?

Conditions: Full sun.

What kills sumac trees?

Sumac responds readily to treatment with triclopyr (Tradename Garlon), a broad-leaf specific herbicide that is very effective against woody plants.

How do you stop sumac from spreading?

Its aggressive spread can be troublesome in your backyard, but you can limit the shrub's spread with vigilance, diligence and a little herbicide.

Plant your sumac in an area with natural rock boundaries. ...
Prune off new sumac growth with clippers or loppers when it moves beyond the space you allot it in the garden.

What are sumac trees good for?

Evergreen sumac can be used to create a hedge or screen, or it can be pruned to favor a single leader to form a straight trunk and tree-like shape. Only female plants produce flowers and berries. This shrub is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and it is mostly resistant to insects and diseases.

Is sumac poisonous to touch?

Although toxic to the touch for humans, poison sumac berries are not toxic to birds. 2 Many birds, including quail, treat the berries as an emergency food source in winter.

How do you kill sumac trees naturally?

Brush a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate, triclopyr or imazapyr onto the freshly-cut stump surface. For small sumac trees, cover the entire cut stump surface with chemical.

What is the difference between poison sumac and regular sumac?

Poison Sumac

The difference between poison and harmless sumac is most noticeable in the berries on the two plants. Poison sumac has clusters of white or light-green berries that sag downward on its branches, while the red berries of harmless sumac sit upright.

Do sumac trees have deep roots?

While the roots are relatively shallow and may only reach about 10 inches underground, many sumac species tend to spread rapidly. Sumac aggressively reproduces through seeds and grows in dense thickets, cutting off other plants' access to vital nutrients.

Is sumac poisonous to dogs?

Dogs can get poison oak and poison sumac as well. This trio of poisonous plants have one major thing in common: urushiol. Urushiol is the oily sap found throughout all three plants on the stems, leaves, and roots.