Origin
Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl., commonly known as the winged sumac or shining sumac, is native to the southeastern United States. It can be found in various habitats such as floodplains, marshes, and woodlands.
Common Names
Aside from winged sumac and shining sumac, this plant has other common names such as dwarf sumac, flameleaf sumac, and mountain sumac.
Uses
Native Americans and early settlers utilized different parts of the plant for various purposes. They used the bark and leaves for medicinal purposes, while the fruits were used in dye-making and for their lemonade-like flavor. The fruits and branches were also used in basket-making and for tanning leather.
Nowadays, the plant is often used in landscaping as a shrub or a small tree. Its bright red fall foliage is an attractive feature in autumn gardens. It is also valued for its ability to attract birds and other wildlife with its fruits.
General Appearance
The winged sumac is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-31 leaflets that are arranged in a feather-like pattern. The leaflets are dark green in color and turn a brilliant shade of red in the fall. The branches are covered in fine hairs and have distinctive wings along their length, giving the plant its common name. The plant produces dense clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by red fruits that ripen in late summer or early fall.
Light Requirements
The plant Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. requires full to partial sunlight exposure to grow healthily. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sunlight exposure. Therefore, placing the plant in a location with full sunlight exposure for at least six hours a day would ensure proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it adaptable to different environments. The plant can thrive in USDA zones 6-9 where the average temperature ranges from -23.3°C to 26.1°C during the growing season. It is essential to note that the plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures, and frost can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the soil is well-draining. The soil pH for the plant should be between 4.5 and 7.5. It is crucial to ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Cultivation methods for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl., commonly known as the winged sumac, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It can grow up to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making it ideal for use as a hedge or as an accent plant in a mixed border. When planting winged sumac, choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with neutral acidity. Winged sumac is tolerant of drought conditions, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.
Watering needs for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Once established, winged sumac requires little watering except during periods of extended drought. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent the development of fungal diseases. To prevent damage to the plant's root system, water deeply and infrequently rather than giving it frequent, shallow watering.
Fertilization for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Winged sumac is not a heavy feeder and can tolerate poor soil conditions. However, if the soil is lacking in nutrients, a balanced slow-release fertilizer application can be made in the spring before new growth starts. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth.
Pruning for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Winged sumac does not require regular pruning except to remove any dead or damaged wood. Pruning can be done in late winter to early spring before new growth appears. Because winged sumac blooms on new wood, pruning can be done without disturbing the plant's flowers.
Propagation of Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl., commonly known as the winged sumac, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the Eastern United States.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. can be done through seed propagation. The seeds of the winged sumac can be collected from the wild, but care should be taken to ensure that they are not contaminated with other plant materials. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground in the fall or kept in a cold, moist environment until the spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. Bottom heat can help to encourage rooting.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. is through division. This method involves dividing an established clump of the winged sumac and replanting the divided sections. Division should be done in the early spring before new growth begins, and care should be taken to ensure that each division has a viable root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl.
Rhus copallinum L. var. latifolia Engl. commonly known as the winged sumac, is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. It is a useful landscape plant because of its striking fall foliage colors and attractive fruit clusters. However, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can cause a significant reduction in its aesthetic value and damage the plant's health.
Common Diseases
Winged sumac is susceptible to several fungal diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the commonly occurring diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum spp. It causes leaf spots, twig cankers, and dieback. The infected leaves appear with brown to black spots that may spread, eventually causing the leaf's death.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta minima. Infected leaves develop small water-soaked spots with a grayish-white center and a yellow halo. Severely infected leaves may turn yellow and drop from the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe communis. It causes a white, powdery coating on the leaf surface. Severe infections can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop.
There are several ways to manage these diseases, including:
- Cultural Controls: Regular irrigation, proper pruning, and removing infected plant debris can help prevent disease spread.
- Fungicides: Chemical control of the diseases can be achieved by applying fungicides like copper-based products, sulfur-based products, or triadimefon.
- Biological Controls: Biofungicides containing organisms like Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma spp. can be used to combat fungal pathogens.
Common Pests
Apart from fungal diseases, several pests can cause damage to winged sumac. Some of the commonly occurring pests include:
- Scale Insects: These insects feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, and stunted growth. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, promoting fungal growth.
- Sawflies: The larvae of these insects feed on the plant's leaves, causing skeletonization of the foliage.
- Aphids: These insects feed on the plant's sap and secrete honeydew, promoting fungal growth. Severe infestations can cause leaf distortion and yellowing.
The effective management of these pests can include:
- Cultural Controls: Proper pruning and avoiding over-fertilization can help reduce pest problems.
- Insecticides: Chemical control of pests can be achieved by applying insecticides like neem oil, imidacloprid, or spinosad.
- Biological Controls: Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be released to control pest populations.
With appropriate management practices, the winged sumac plant can remain healthy and attractive, adding beauty to any landscape.
