Lytle, Melody
Rhus virens Lindheimer ex Gray
Evergreen sumac, Tobacco sumac
Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
Evergreen sumac is a
shrub or small
tree, from 8-12 ft. in height with spreading branches. Its shiny,
evergreen, pinnate foliage is tinged with pink in early spring and maroon after frost. Leaves are
alternate, 2–5 1/2 inches long, with 5–9 fleshy leaflets on stiff stems. The 5-petaled, inconspicuous, greenish or white flowers grow in clusters 1–2 inches long at the end of stout branches. When the
fruit matures in mid-September it is red, broader than long, and covered with fine hair.
Evergreen sumac can be used to make a nice, thick hedge or screen, but can grow tree-like with a long, straight trunk. Only female plants produce flowers and berries. It is fast growing, generally insect and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Not a true
evergreen – leaves are green through the winter, then are dropped, to be replaced within a week with a new crop.
Image Gallery:
18 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: C. TX to n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Rocky hillsides, gullies & bluffs.
On rocky bluffs, slopes and banks, on dry hillsides in the Edwards Plateau and Trans-Pecos.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rocky soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam Clay Loam Clay, Caliche type, Limestone-based
Igneous
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Blooms ornamental, Fruits ornamental, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: Birds and other animals feed on the fuzzy red fruit. The flower is a
nectar source for adult butterflies.
Use Food: When soaked in water, the berries make a tart, tasty tea that is high in vitamin C.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Deer Resistant: Moderate
2010-02-08
