Winged Sumac Rhus copallinum 500 Seeds USA Company

Rhus copallinum, commonly known as winged sumac or shining sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows to heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall and has a spreading, open habit. The name "winged sumac" comes from the distinctive wing-like structures along the stems.

The leaves of Rhus copallinum are pinnately compound and alternate along the stems. Each leaf typically consists of 9 to 21 serrated leaflets that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, adding to the plant's ornamental value.

In late spring to early summer, winged sumac produces dense, upright clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers at the tips of branches. These flowers are followed by the development of clusters of small, spherical, red fruit called drupes. The fruit persists on the plant throughout the fall and winter, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Winged sumac is adaptable to various soil types and environmental conditions, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is often found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.

Like other sumac species, Rhus copallinum has been used for various purposes by indigenous peoples and settlers, including for its medicinal properties and as a source of dye. However, caution should be exercised, as certain parts of the plant can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Growing Instructions for the Winged Sumac

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 6. Water the container and leave it to drain. 7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 8. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.