Rhus virens aka Evergreen Sumac

Rhus virens, or evergreen sumac, belongs to the cashew family. Other names include tobacco sumac and lentisco. Its native range runs from Arizona to Texas and Mexico. It grows on dry slopes, rocky hillsides, and cliffs. These sites lie in desert and dry shrubland regions. Garden plants reach about 10–11.5 feet [3–3.5 metres] tall. They can spread to about 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] wide. The plant forms a broad shrub or small tree. Its crown is rounded, with lower branches sometimes touching ground.

The leaves stay through much of the year. They turn red or maroon during cold weather. Old leaves fall as new spring leaves emerge. Each pinnate leaf has five to nine oval leaflets. The leaflets feel leathery, with shiny green tops and paler undersides. Young twigs are red and green with fine gray hairs. Older twigs become smooth and gray. Young bark is smooth and light gray. Older bark forms scales that reveal reddish-brown patches beneath.

Small, pale yellow-white flowers appear in late summer. They form loose clusters at branch tips or leaf joints. Bees pollinate them, and male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The species cannot set fruit through self-pollination. Its small fruits are flattened, egg-shaped drupes with sticky red hairs. They turn orange-red to red and ripen in late fall. Fruit can remain on the plant through winter. Each fruit holds little flesh, but clusters make gathering easier.

Grow this sumac in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. It also grows in mildly acid to mildly alkaline soil. Established plants withstand drought and suit dry garden sites. Hot summers help it thrive. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10, but also warns about frost. Useful Tropical Plants says it tolerates only occasional light frost. Late frost can harm new shoots. Strong winds can break its brittle branches. Coral spot fungus can also affect it.

People grow it as an ornamental and gather its fruit. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Soaking it makes a tart drink; boiling releases astringent tannins. Fruit hairs may irritate when eaten directly. Sap may cause a rash in sensitive people. Sources report traditional leaf use for asthma, with caution. Seed oil serves in candles, though the smoke smells sharp. Tannin-rich leaves supply brown dye and help bind dyes.