Overview
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, commonly known as winged sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a close relative of the poison ivy plant.
Appearance
The winged sumac grows to a height of 10-20 feet and spreads up to 15 feet wide. The plant is named after the distinctive winged branches which are covered with fuzzy, reddish-brown hairs when young. The leaves of the winged sumac are pinnately compound, and each leaf consists of 9-23 leaflets. The leaflets are dark green and turn bright red in the fall. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they appear in late spring or early summer in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruits are small, red, drupe-like clusters that last throughout the winter and are a source of food for birds and other wildlife.
Uses
The fruit of the winged sumac is edible and can be used to make tea, jelly, and a type of lemonade. The plant has also been used medicinally by Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments including sore throats, diarrhea, and fevers. Winged sumac is also used in landscaping to provide color to gardens and is an excellent plant for erosion control due to its deep roots and hardy nature.
It is important to note that although the fruit and leaves of the winged sumac are not toxic, the plant is related to poison ivy and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Care should be taken when handling the plant to avoid any skin irritation.
Light Requirements
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, also known as the winged sumac, prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. In fact, it can tolerate direct sunlight even during the hottest hours of the day. Therefore, this plant can thrive in open areas as well as shaded woodlands.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum is native to the southeastern United States and is well adapted to warm and humid climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F). However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 29°C (85°F).
Soil Requirements
Regarding soil, Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum requires well-draining soils that are not too rich in nutrients. It can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey ones, but it prefers acidic soils with pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. Moreover, this plant can tolerate drought conditions and occasional flooding, making it suitable for areas with erratic rainfall patterns.
Cultivation methods
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, also known as winged sumac, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It prefers to grow in a full sun or partial shade location and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It can grow up to 2-3 meters in height and spread.
To grow Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, the soil should be thoroughly prepared before planting. The plant should be placed in the hole and covered with soil, making sure to keep the root ball level with the ground. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to keep the soil moist.
Watering needs
Watering is essential to ensure the plant grows healthily. Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum needs moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The watering should be done slowly to ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil and reaches the roots. The plant is relatively drought tolerant, but it will benefit from regular watering when rainfall is scarce.
Fertilization
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, like most plants, responds well to fertilization. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be applied to the soil in the spring, just as the plant starts to grow. This helps to stimulate growth and ensure that the plant remains healthy throughout the growing season. However, be careful not to get fertilizer near the base or stems of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This helps to keep the plant from getting too dense and promotes new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any ingrown branches to allow better airflow. If necessary, remove about one-third of the plant's old growth to stimulate new growth. Also, make sure to wear protective gloves when pruning because the plant can be irritating to the skin.
Propagation of Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum, commonly known as the winged sumac, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and suckers.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant during fall or winter, and stored in a cool and dry place until spring. Before sowing the seeds, they need to undergo a stratification process by exposing them to cold temperatures for several weeks. This will help break their dormancy and promote germination. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Propagation through Cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken in June or July can also be used to propagate the winged sumac. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can then be planted in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite, and kept moist until roots develop.
Propagation through Suckers
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum can also reproduce through suckers, which are shoots that arise from the base of the plant. Suckers can be dug up and transplanted to another location or potted up and grown as separate plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum
Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum is a hardy and low maintenance plant but still, some diseases and pests might affect its growth and yield.
Common diseases affecting Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum
Fungal leaf spots: This disease is caused by different fungi like Cercospora, Phyllosticta, and Pestalotia. These fungi cause small, circular spots on the leaves, which develop into larger irregular shapes and can cause defoliation if not controlled. The best method to control this disease is by removing the infected leaves and destroying them. Fungicides like copper-based fungicides can also be used.
Anthracnose: It is caused by different species of Colletotrichum fungi. It causes small, circular, sunken spots on the leaves, which can enlarge to cover the whole leaf. The best way to manage this disease is by removing the infected plant parts and spraying with copper-based fungicides.
Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by different fungi like Oidium, Microsphaera, and Erysiphe. It causes a powdery white or grayish coating on the leaf surface, leading to the defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts, and maintain proper air circulation by thinning out the plant.
Common pests affecting Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum
Scales: These insects attach themselves to the bark or leaves of the plant and suck sap from it, leading to the yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage this pest, use a soft-bristled brush to remove them from the plant, or prune heavily infested plant parts.
Spider Mites: These insects cause yellowing and browning of leaves by sucking sap from them. They leave behind a fine webbing on the plant. The best way to manage spider mites is by washing the plant with a strong water jet or spraying with insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Different species of caterpillars like Citheronia regalis and Datana integerrima can infest the plant. They chew on the leaves leading to defoliation. The best way to manage this pest is by manually removing the caterpillars or spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Regular monitoring of the plant, removing dead plant parts, and maintaining proper lawn and garden hygiene can help reduce the incidence of disease and pest infestation on Rhus copallinum L. var. copallinum. Proper nutrition, water, and sunlight exposure also play a vital role in maintaining plant health and yield.
