Flaigg, Norman G.
Rhus microphylla Engelm. ex Gray
Littleleaf sumac, Desert sumac, Correosa, Agritos
Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
Little-leaf sumac is a much-branched,
deciduous shrub, 4-16 ft. tall, with small,
pinnate leaves composed of tiny, leather, shiny leaflets.
Axillary and terminal clusters of white flowers, which appear before the leaves, are followed by 2-4 in. clusters of orange-red berries. Flowers and fruits are usually not very numerous. Fall color is muted rose and purple.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Pinnate Leaf Shape: Elliptic Breeding System: Flowers
Unisexual ,
Dioecious Size Notes: 6-12 feet.
Leaf: Dull green above, pale below.
Flower: Flowers in 4 inch clusters
Fruit: Orange-red. 1/4 inch.
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX to AZ & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry, scrubby uplands; open, alkali flats; thickets; desert plains & mesas
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy or rocky soils. Limestone-based, Caliche type Sandy Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam
Clay
Conditions Comments: Native sumacs make attractive specimen, hedge or background plants and are important wildlife plants. They are fast growing, generally pest and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Colonies are often single-sexed, formed from a single, suckering parent. Only female plants produce flowers and berries.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Grows in clumps, Fruits ornamental, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: Winter food for many upland gamebirds, songbirds, and large and small mammals. Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals, Browse
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2009-02-20
