Rhus copallinum #3 (Winged Sumac)

Winged Sumac is a compact, densely growing, colonizing shrub that is native to the eastern half of North America. It is an incredibly tough pioneer plant, one that is capable of inhabiting inhospitable sites and preparing them for the succession of larger trees that will grow taller and eventually shade out the sumacs. They are best used in marginal zones of the landscape, at the edge between forest and openness, or surrounded by barriers such as parking lots or roads, and are especially useful for erosion control on slopes and embankments. They can even be grown in large pots to contain their spread. They are not fussy plants and will grow in a variety of situations, although they do require close to full sun and good drainage. This is definitely a plant that can overtake gardens and managed areas and it is not recommended for these types of locations. It excels at naturalizing and covering ground rapidly, and can help outcompete and block the establishment of non-native, invasive species such as the look-alike Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

Winged Sumac gets its common name from the conspicuous leafy ridges or “wings” on the central leaf stalk (rachis) of the compound leaves, which is an easily identifiable characteristic that can help differentiate between this species and the larger, closely related Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). Another common name it goes by is Shining Sumac due to the lustrous quality of its deep green leaves. Its fall color gives it yet another name, the Flameleaf Sumac, because of its blazing red hue. These plants are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on separate individuals. A male and a female are required for fruit production. The flowers occur in upright, greenish-yellow panicles in late summer and last for 2-3 weeks. Pollinated female flowers give way to upright clusters of velvety, ruby-red fruits (drupes) in tight, pyramidal clusters which often remain through winter. They are distinctive, attractive and edible just like those of Staghorn Sumac.

Sumacs have a high ecological importance for wildlife through the interconnected food web. 98 species* of migrating and overwintering birds rely on the fruits as a high-fat food source. They are host to at least 58 species* of Lepidoptera, including the Red-banded Hairstreak, Luna Moth and Regal Moth. The flowers provide a rich source of mid-summer nectar for pollinators, and the slender stems act as tunnel nesting sites for small carpenter bees, but causes no significant damage to the trees.

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
*Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers