Prairie Flame Leaf Sumac
Prairie Flame Leaf Sumac
Prairie Flame Leaf Sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is a striking native small tree or large shrub prized for its spectacular autumn color when the compound leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange, red, and burgundy. This Texas native features an open, spreading habit with elegant compound foliage that provides dappled shade and movement in the landscape. Inconspicuous yellowish flower clusters in summer develop into fuzzy, dark red berry-like fruits that persist into winter and attract birds. Unlike poison sumac, this non-poisonous variety makes an excellent choice for difficult sites, naturalized areas, and xeriscapes where its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils are valuable assets.
Care Tips: Can be grown as a multi-trunked small tree or allowed to sucker to form a thicket—control by removing unwanted suckers as they appear. Requires minimal pruning but can be shaped in late winter if desired. Tolerates a wide range of soils but requires good drainage. Very low maintenance once established. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants; female plants produce the decorative red fruit clusters. May colonize through suckers in favorable locations—consider this when choosing planting site.
LIGHT: Full sun to part shade Zone 6-9
HEIGHT: 10-20 feet SPREAD: 10-15 feet
WATER: Low; extremely drought tolerant once established
BLOOM: Small yellowish flowers in summer; ornamental fruit in fall
Pick up only at our location. Friday and Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm
