Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Cedar Creek, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagation of evergreen sumac by cuttings from Cedar Creek TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac), according to our Native Plant Database, is propagated by seeds. Treated seed and root cuttings are used for increase. From this article from the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Extension Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs, Trees and Vines with Stem Cuttings, we learned that all species of rhus (sumac) are best propagated by softwood cuttings in the summer. Of course, all sumacs spread by suckering off the "mother" plant, and you will see clusters of sumacs in the wild, all one plant, with clones spreading out from it.
The best resource we know of in terms of propagation techniques for the home gardener, and for all types of plants, is this one from North Dakota State University Extension Home Propagation Techniques.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
Germination period for Snow Mountain beardtongue (Penstemon purpusii)
March 12, 2008 - Why is the germination period for the Snowmountain Beardtongue so long?. I understand it to be approximately 690 days.
view the full question and answer
Plants native to Galveston that would survive in Austin
December 01, 2008 - What plants are native to the Galveston, Texas region? Can any of those plants survive in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting birdwing passionflower in Canyon, TX
April 17, 2009 - First, thank you for all your help! Second, I have two bird-wing passionflowers that are growing next to the house. I'd like to move them because this is the area where I want to put in some raise...
view the full question and answer
Petunias pollinated by clematis from Logansport IN
July 11, 2012 - Can petunias be pollinated by clematis? I have 2 petunias that have split blooms and look like a small clematis flower. They are growing close to a jackamani clematis.
view the full question and answer
Possibility of growing Buckleys yucca in South Carolina
February 03, 2008 - I live in Lexington, SC. I am wondering if I can grow Buckley's yucca (yucca constricta) here and if so, where can I purchase the seeds or plants? I am from Texas and we are trying to create a "we...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |