Shining Sumac
Rhus copallina 
Shining sumac, or winged sumac, is most common south of the Missouri River. It invades old fields and abandoned rights-of-way. The dark green summer foliage, followed by scarlet fall colors and bright red berries make sumac an attractive plant. It forms thickets and provides excellent wildlife food and cover.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 20 ft
- Spread
- 25 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, compound, 12" long, with wings along leaf axis; 7-17 leaflets, 1" - 3" long, lance-shaped, usually without teeth; shiny dark green above, paler below
- Flowers
- male and female flowers usually on separate plants; l/8", with 5 greenish-white petals; crowded in spreading clusters 3" wide
- Fruit
- clusters of l/8" dark red berries; covered with red hairs
- Bark
- light brown or gray, scaly
- Associated species
- blackhaw, post oak, blackjack oak, eastern redcedar, hawthorn
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, full sun
- Value to man
- windbreaks, landscaping
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Range
