Plant Guide

Other Names:  Flameleaf Sumac

Description:

A selection of this exotic species that's significantly smaller in stature making it more suitable for average landscapes; flaming red fall color, white flower spikes in late summer, suckers vigorously to form thickets, excellent for naturalizing

Ornamental Features

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It features bold spikes of creamy white flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. It has green deciduous foliage. The large glossy narrow pinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac is an open multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.