What are the different types of sumac trees?
Species including the fragrant sumac (R. R. R. R. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), and dwarf sumac (Rhus copallinum) are harmless plants. These species are found in drier, upland habitats, whereas poison sumac prefers wet soils. All three harmless species have red fruits that together form a distinctive terminal seed head.Smooth and staghorn sumac are very similar in appearance and overlap both in range and habitat. They are usually easily distinguished by the presence or absence of hairs along stems, and they also have differences in growth habit and berry clusters.Both staghorn sumac and smooth sumac have soft compound leaves with 11 to 31 finely toothed leaflets. They have red berries held in upright clusters above the leaves. Staghorn sumac has fuzzy new twigs like antlers in velvet, and can grow to 25 feet tall and 6 inches or more in diameter.The roots are relatively shallow, usually reaching only about 10 inches underground. However, staghorn sumac can form dense thickets with multiple trunks connected to a single root system.
What is the problem with the sumac tree?
Sumac growth can block rain and sunlight and begin to change the ecosystem’s soil chemistry, temperature, and light levels. This can cause existing plants and small shrubs in the area to wither. By blocking the sunlight, sumac trees may also prevent new plants and vegetation from growing. If the character of a natural area is to be maintained, control of sumac is essential. Sumac is a woody plant that has the potential to form large clones. The shade under these clones can be enough to suppress virtually all native vegetation. It spreads by rhizomes which form a complex underground root system.Caution: as sumac trees are highly invasive and self-propagate via root runners, we strongly recommend including a root barrier when planting these trees. The root barriers should reach at least 60cm deep to effectively keep the sumac tree runners from spreading.
What are the common problems with African sumac?
Pest infestations pose a common threat to African sumac. Aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars are among the usual suspects that feed on this plant. These pests can cause significant foliage damage and stunt growth if not addressed promptly. Approximately 250 species of sumac are known, from all of the continents, and they follow one simple, very handy generalization. Species with red berries, including smooth and fragrant sumac, produce edible berries, while species with white berries, including poison ivy, have poisonous berries.Some bad native Sumacs or Sumac relatives that you should know about are Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans, formerly Rhus radicans) and Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix, formerly Rhus vernix). Both plants can be responsible for a nasty rash that you wouldn’t wish upon anyone.
How fast does an African sumac grow?
Characteristics: Africa sumac is a tree reaching heights of 5-6 m (15 to 30 feet) with an equal or greater spread (1, 2, 3). It is grows slowly at a rate of ~ ¾ m (24 in) each year (1, 2). Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) has smooth bark while winged sumac (Rhus copallinum) has especially shiny leaves and stems with leafy green ridges or “wings. Both reach about 8-12 feet in height. All three of these sumacs share a strong resemblance.