Sumac in bloom on Universal Trail

Winged sumac, a.k.a. shining sumac (Rhus copallina)

Landscaping with native plants tip:

Towards mid-summer, you begin to look for winged sumac (also known as shining sumac) in bloom, a native flowering shrub in the Cashew family.

It makes an excellent native ornamental that spreads by runners creating protective cover for birds. (A five year old sapling can reach a height of about eight feet, so it's fairly quick growing.)

Plus, in the fall, its scarlet foliage and clusters of hairy, red berries make it an eye-catching addition to your yard. It grows well in full sun or partial, and is relatively drought tolerant. 

Birds also eat the fruits from late fall into winter, so think of it as a living birdfeeder.

At Ijams, look for winged sumac growing along the Universal Trail.

- Story and photo by Stephen Lyn Bales.