Overview
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly known as winged sumac or shining sumac and is native to North America.
Appearance
Winged sumac is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of 2-4 meters. It has a spreading growth habit and forms dense thickets with its branching stems. The leaves are pinnately compound and each leaf has 9-21 lance-shaped leaflets with a glossy green surface. The stems of the plant are winged, meaning they have raised ridges on either side of the stem, which makes it easy to identify.
Uses
Winged sumac has several traditional uses, such as for medicinal purposes and as a source of dye. The bark has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal issues. The leaves and fruits have been used to make a yellow or black dye for textiles. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its stunning autumnal color.
However, it is important to note that the plant can cause skin irritation for some people due to the presence of the compound urushiol, which is also found in other members of the Anacardiaceae family, like poison ivy and poison oak. Therefore, care should be taken when handling the plant.
Light Requirements
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray prefers full sun to partial shade for best growth and development. In a shaded environment, the plant's growth may be inhibited, and it may not produce as many flowers or fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C) may result in leaf drop or frost damage. The plant can tolerate high temperatures if the soil is kept moist.
Soil Requirements
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide pH range but grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6-7). The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray, also known as shiny sumac, is a woody shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. It is relatively easy to grow and is adaptable to a variety of soils. For best results, plant shiny sumac in well-drained soil and in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
The shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9 and is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions. However, it may need occasional pruning to maintain its desired shape and size.
Watering needs
Shiny sumac prefers well-drained soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water newly planted shrubs regularly until they become established and thereafter only during extended dry periods.
During periods of extended drought, provide shiny sumac with 1 inch of water once a week to maintain the soil moisture level. Be cautious not to overwater it, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Shiny sumac is a relatively low-maintenance shrub and typically does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer may be helpful in poor soil conditions.
Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the new growth emerges. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying fertilizer to avoid overapplication.
Pruning
Shiny sumac can be pruned to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make the cuts just above a bud or side branch. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.
Although not necessary, the shrub may be rejuvenated by cutting it back to within 8 to 12 inches of the ground. This method is best done in late winter or early spring and will result in vigorous regrowth.
Propagation of Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray, commonly known as the lanceleaf sumac, is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 12 feet in height and is native to North America. Propagating this plant requires a few techniques that can be used to produce new plants.
Seed Propagation
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray can be propagated by seed. The seeds can be collected from the plant in the fall and sowed immediately. Seed germination can be irregular, and the seeds can take up to a year to germinate. Seeds need to be stratified before sowing. Seed stratification is the process of exposing seeds to cold temperatures to break their dormancy. To stratify sumac seeds, place them in a plastic bag filled with moist sand or vermiculite and store them in a refrigerator for 90 to 120 days. Once stratified, the seeds can be sowed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm location with bright light until germination.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray can be propagated by softwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's new growth in late spring or early summer. Cut a 4-6 inch stem section and strip off the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a warm location with bright light and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop in several weeks.
Root Cuttings Propagation
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray can also be propagated through root cuttings. Dig up the plant in the fall and cut the roots into 2-3 inch pieces. Plant the root cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil consistently moist. Roots will grow from the cuttings in several weeks.
Propagation of Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray can be done through different techniques, including seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and root cutting propagation. Proper care and attention should be given to ensure successful propagation.
Introduction
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray, commonly known as winged sumac or shining sumac, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful autumn foliage and attractive fruit clusters. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the shrub if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is crown rot, caused by soil-borne fungi. The first sign of crown rot is wilting and yellowing of the leaves, which eventually leads to the death of the shrub. To manage crown rot, avoid planting Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray in poorly-drained soil and make sure that the soil is well-aerated. Fungicides can also be used to treat infected plants.
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Gnomonia sp., is another common disease that affects Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray. The symptoms of anthracnose include brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to treat infected plants.
Pests
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is also susceptible to various pests, including scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Spider mites, on the other hand, feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To manage scale insects and spider mites, spray the shrub with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to control the pests.
Another pest that can affect Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is the sumac flea beetle, which feeds on the leaves and causes them to turn brown and fall off. To manage sumac flea beetles, remove infected leaves and spray the shrub with insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrins.
Conclusion
Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray is a beautiful and popular ornamental plant that is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. To ensure that your shrub remains healthy and vibrant, it is important to monitor it regularly for signs of disease and pest infestations. By following the management techniques outlined in this article, you can help protect your Rhus copallinum L. var. lanceolata Gray against these threats and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
