Rhus glabra
scarlet sumach
A suckering shrub with smooth, upright shoots and leaves up to 45cm long with dark red stems and shiny, bluish-green leaflets, turning rich red in autumn. In summer bears dense, conical clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers followed, on pollinated female plants, by spherical red berries
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Genus
Rhus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, pinnate or palmately-divided leaves often colouring brilliantly in autumn, and inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring or summer, followed by small, spherical red fruits in dense clusters
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering growth means that it has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt
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