Rhus lanceolata aka Prairie Sumac

Rhus lanceolata has two common names: prairie flameleaf sumac and Texan sumac. It belongs to Anacardiaceae, the cashew family. Its native range runs from Arizona to western Texas. It also grows in Mexico's northeast and central parts. This large shrub or small tree sheds its leaves. Most garden plants reach 12–18 feet [3.7–5.5 metres] tall. Published garden ranges extend to 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Some plants reach 25 feet [7.6 metres]. Its spread reaches 15–20 feet [4.6–6.1 metres].

The loose crown has spreading branches and more than one trunk. Some branches droop as they grow. Young bark is smooth and light brown or gray. It has small pores called lenticels. Older bark forms broad, thin scales. Fine red-brown hairs cover the young twigs. Leaves grow in turn along the stem. They are pinnately compound, with leaflets along a central stalk. Each leaf has seven to fifteen narrow, pointed leaflets. Wings run along this stalk, called the rachis, between leaflets. The tops shine dark green; the undersides are paler. Leaves turn orange or red in fall, and sometimes yellow.

Small, pale flowers form branched groups called panicles at branch tips. Sources give their color as white to greenish yellow. Sources differ on bloom dates. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May through June. Virginia Tech gives mid to late summer. Round, dark red fruits, called drupes, then form groups at branch tips. Short, sticky red hairs cover each fruit. Fruit ripens in fall and can stay through winter. Birds visit the fruit groups. Flowers, fruit, and fall leaves add interest through the seasons.

Grow this sumac in full sun and well-drained soil. It also takes partial sun or partial shade. It grows in clay, loam, and sand. It accepts both acid and alkaline soils. It copes well with drought. Once settled in the landscape, plants need little added water. Too much water and fertilizer can harm plant health. Sources differ on hardiness: UF/IFAS gives USDA zones 6b–8b. Chicago Botanic Garden gives zones 7–11. Neither source gives a UK hardiness rating.

Use it as a specimen, container plant, or roadside tree. It also suits land reclamation and plantings that need little care. Training helps turn the shrub into a tree. Prune to build a sound branch form. Remove unwanted shoots, called basal suckers, from the base. Low ground cover can keep its branch form in view. Roots rarely cause trouble, and branches resist breaks. Serious pests and diseases are rare without too much water. Verticillium wilt can affect it.