Different Varieties of Sumac Trees: From Staghorn to Skunkbush
Sumac trees are a diverse group of plants that belong to the genus Rhus. Popular for their striking forest green foliage and vibrant red in the fall, sumac trees are an excellent choice for both landscaping and the garden. With a wide range of varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics and look, there is a sumac tree for every preference and purpose. Here, we will explore some of the most fascinating varieties of sumac trees, including staghorn sumac, smooth sumac, fragrant sumac, lemonade berry, winged sumac, desert sumac, skunkbush, littleleaf sumac, and lastly, the little known Sikician sumac.
Staghorn Sumac: The number one choice by landscapers and gardeners alike
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a deciduous small shrub like tree native to North America. It predominately grows around the Great Lakes. Staghorn gets its name from the velvety texture and appearance of its branches, which resemble the antlers of a stag. Staghorn sumac is known for its beautiful deep red October foliage, making it a beautiful choice for landscaping. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this variety of sumac also has several practical uses. The dried fruit clusters of staghorn sumac are often used to make a tangy spice called sumac spice, which adds a lemony flavor to dishes. The leaves of staghorn sumac can also be used to make a refreshing tea that is rich in vitamin C.
Staghorn sumac is a hardy plant that thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, making it suitable for the ever-changing climate around the Great Lakes. It is also particularly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant for home owners. With its striking appearance and culinary uses, staghorn sumac is the number one choice for any home garden landscape.
Smooth Sumac: A versatile landscaping plant
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is another popular variety of sumac tree that is native to North America. Unlike staghorn sumac, smooth sumac has smooth branches and leaves, giving it a sleek and polished appearance. This variety is known for its ability to adapt to different soil types and climates, making it a versatile choice for landscaping.
One of the standout features of smooth sumac is its stunning fall foliage. The leaves transition from a vibrant green in the summer to shades of orange, red, and purple in the autumn, creating an attractive display of colors. Smooth sumac also produces clusters of small berries that turn crimson in the fall, attracting birds and wildlife to the area.
In addition to its visual appeal, smooth sumac has a range of practical uses. The berries of smooth sumac can be dried and ground into a spice powder, similar to staghorn sumac. This spice adds a tart and tangy flavor to various dishes and is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Smooth sumac has also been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Fragrant Sumac: An aromatic beauty for the garden
Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a delightful variety of sumac that is known for its aromatic leaves. Native to North America, fragrant sumac gets its name from the pleasant fragrance released when its leaves are crushed or brushed against. This fragrance adds an extra sensory element that makes fragrant sumac a popular choice in the garden.
Fragrant sumac is a compact shrub with dense foliage and small, trifoliate leaves. The leaves are green during the growing season and turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, creating a stunning display of autumn colors. Fragrant sumac also produces small, fuzzy red berries that persist throughout the winter, adding interest and texture to the landscape.
Apart from its visual and olfactory appeal, fragrant sumac has several other advantages. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including dry and rocky soils, which makes it an ideal plant for challenging growing conditions. Fragrant sumac is also important for wildlife because its berries provide a source of food for birds and small mammals during the winter months.
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Sicilian Sumac: An exotic beauty
Sicilian sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a unique variety of sumac that is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly Sicily. This sumac tree is known for its bright red berries, which are harvested and used as a spice in Sicilian and Middle Eastern dishes. The berries of Sicilian sumac have a tangy and slightly sour flavor, adding a unique taste to Mediterranean cuisine.
Sicilian sumac is a small, a deciduous tree with feathery leaves that turn shades of yellow and orange in the autumn. The tree produces clusters of small, deep red berries that are harvested when fully ripe. The berries are then dried and ground into a fine powder, which is used as a spice called sumac spice or stored as a sumac powder.
The plant is drought-tolerant, so it is well-suited to Mediterranean climates. With its distinctive flavor and attractive appearance, Sicilian sumac is a valuable addition to any culinary garden.
Skunkbush: Understanding Its Distinctive Qualities
Skunkbush (Rhus trilobata) is a unique variety of sumac that is native to western North America. This low-growing shrub is known for its distinctive aroma, which resembles that of a skunk, hence its name. While the smell may be off-putting to some, skunkbush has several redeeming qualities that make it an interesting addition to the garden.
In terms of appearance, skunkbush is a compact shrub with lobed leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The leaves have a leathery texture and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. Skunkbush also produces clusters of small yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by small red berries that persist into the winter. It is often mistaken for holly.
Skunkbush is a hardy plant that prefers dry and rocky soils. It is well-adapted to arid environments and so it is often used in xeriscaping projects.
Littleleaf Sumac: A Compact and Attractive Option
Littleleaf sumac (Rhus microphylla) is a compact variety of sumac native to the southeastern United States. As its name suggests, littleleaf sumac is characterized by its small, elliptical leaves, which give it a delicate and refined appearance. This variety is an excellent choice for small gardens or areas with limited space.
It can reach a height of 10 feet. Its leaves are dark green during the growing season and like other sumac varieties, turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The foliage provides a striking contrast to the small clusters of red berries that appear in the summer throughout July and August. These berries are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.
In addition to its compact size and attractive appearance, littleleaf sumac is a low-maintenance plant that grows well in dry and arid climates. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including a mix of sand and small rock soils. Littleleaf sumac is also highly resistant to pests and diseases that commonly affect untened landscapes and weed infected gardens.
Desert Sumac: Thriving in Arid Environments
Desert sumac (Rhus ovata) is a hardy variety of sumac that is native to the arid regions of southwestern North America. This evergreen shrub is well-adapted to desert environments and is known for its ability to withstand extreme heat and drought. Desert sumac is an excellent choice for xeriscaping projects or gardens rationed by local water restrictions.
Desert sumac has small, leathery leaves that are green throughout the year, providing a lush and verdant backdrop to the landscape. The leaves have a toothed margin and a distinctive scent when crushed. Desert sumac also produces clusters of small red berries that persist throughout the winter, providing a source of food for birds and wildlife throughout the dry season.
In addition to its resilience in arid environments, desert sumac has several other benefits. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering once it gets growing. Desert sumac is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want a fuss-free plant. Furthermore, desert sumac is a valuable plant for erosion control, as its extensive root system helps stabilize the soil, which is important to a desert environment that is prone to flash flooding from the summer Monsoons.
Comparing the Different Sumac Tree Varieties
As you consider a sumac tree for your landscape, it's important to choose the variety with the specific characteristics and requirements for your landscape or garden. Staghorn sumac, with its velvety branches and tangy spice, is a popular choice for its aesthetic appeal and culinary uses. Smooth sumac, on the other hand, is valued for its versatility and stunning fall foliage. Fragrant sumac adds an sensory element to the garden and is well-suited to challenging growing conditions.
Lemonade berry offers a taste of California with its tart and tangy berries, while winged sumac stands out with its unique winged branches and vibrant fall foliage. Sicilian sumac brings an exotic touch to the landscape with its distinctive flavor and appearance. Skunkbush, with its distinctive aroma, is an interesting choice for those who appreciate unique qualities. Littleleaf sumac is a compact and attractive option, while desert sumac thrives in arid environments and requires minimal maintenance.
By comparing the different sumac tree varieties, you can find the perfect one to suit your preferences, landscape and gardening needs.
Article posted, Sept 22