shrub

Shining Sumac

Rhus copallinum

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

The Story

Plant Bio

A deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, known for its glossy, dark green compound leaves that turn brilliant shades of red in autumn. It often forms thickets via root suckers. The 'wings' on the leaf rachis are a key identifying feature, giving it the name Winged Sumac. Female plants produce showy clusters of fuzzy red berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A standout four-season shrub, offering glossy summer foliage, spectacular scarlet fall color, and fuzzy red fruit clusters that persist through winter. Its picturesque, open structure is also attractive.

Its dense, suckering root system makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing banks and slopes, preventing soil erosion. It is also extremely tolerant of poor, dry soils where other plants fail.

The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, especially bees. The berries are a vital late-season food source for many bird species, including robins, bluebirds, and quail.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny spot with average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil and water thoroughly.
Provide ample space for its suckering habit to form a thicket.
Remove root suckers annually if you wish to control its spread.

Pro Tip

To ensure the attractive red fruit clusters, plant female plants; a male plant is needed nearby for pollination.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of space for it to spread and naturalize.
Use it on dry, sunny banks for excellent erosion control.
Prune in late winter to manage size and shape.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small, tidy garden bed where suckers are a nuisance.
Don't overwater once the plant is established.
Avoid planting near walkways or patios due to its spreading nature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brilliant fall color accentErosion control on slopesNaturalized woodland edge planting

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Solidago rugosa Echinacea purpurea Andropogon gerardii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shining Sumac questions

What zones can Shining Sumac grow in?

Shining Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shining Sumac deer resistant?

Yes — Shining Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shining Sumac bloom?

Shining Sumac typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shining Sumac need full sun?

Shining Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shining Sumac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shining Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.