Rhus chinensis aka Chinese Gall

Rhus chinensis is known as Chinese sumac or nutgall tree. It belongs to the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Its native range runs from northern Pakistan to Japan and Sumatra. It grows in forests and thickets, from lowlands to mountains. This deciduous plant forms a large shrub or small tree. Several stems support a loose crown with spreading branches. Garden plants reach 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Broader accounts report heights of 39 feet [12 metres].

The stout young shoots have a coat of fine hairs. The pinnate leaves carry seven to thirteen toothed leaflets. Their upper sides are green; brown hairs cover the undersides. Wings often run along the leaf stalk and central axis. Autumn leaves may turn yellow, orange, or red. Some plants show little colour before the leaves fall. Small cream-white flowers form large panicles near summer's end. Flowering runs from August to September, sometimes into October. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Female plants need pollen from males to set fruit. Hairy, round drupes turn orange-red or red in autumn.

Grow this sumac in sun or light shade. Full sun helps bring out its autumn colour. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and a broad pH range. Good drainage matters more than soil type. It grows in dry to moist soil and tolerates drought. It also copes with poor, rocky soil and urban sites. Sources list USDA zones 5–8 and UK hardiness H5. Root suckers can spread far and form dense groups. Remove them where spread would crowd other plants. Training helps give young plants a tree shape. Weak wood makes branches prone to breaking.

Its spread suits wild gardens, woodland edges, and rough slopes. Massed plants can help hold soil against erosion. It may crowd plants in borders or near buildings. Birds find cover among its branches. Luna moth larvae use it as a host plant. The flowers draw bees and other pollinators. Serious pest problems are uncommon, but several pests may occur. These include aphids, scale, mites, and caterpillars. Leaf spots, rust, mildew, cankers, and wilt can affect it. RHS also lists honey fungus and coral spot.

The sour fruit has food uses when cooked. It also serves as a salt or rennet substitute. Leaves and insect galls supply tannins and dyes. Seed oil has been used to make candles. Several parts have uses in traditional medicine, including the galls. These reported uses do not establish safe home treatments. Reports suggest that sap may cause rashes in sensitive people. PFAF notes that this risk has not been confirmed.