Rhus microphylla

Sunset

Zones 10-13

Full

Moderate, Minimal

Desert Sumac
Anacardiaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs, Decorative fruit or berries

RHUS

Of the ornamental sumacs, deciduous kinds are extremely hardy to cold; they are noted for brilliant fall leaf color and, on female plants, showy clusters of (usually) red fruits that attract birds. They tend to produce suckers, especially if their roots are disturbed by cultivation.

Evergreen species are less hardy.

All sumac species thrive in almost any soil, as long as drainage is good (soggy soils can kill them). Poison oak and poison ivy were once members of the genus Rhus, but they have been reclassified as Toxicodendron.

Rhus microphylla

Native to southwesternU.S. and Mexico.Grows to 8 ft. (possibly 15 ft.)tall, 12 ft. wide. Leaves aredivided featherwise into five tonine small (less than 1/2 in.long) leaflets. Clusters of littlewhite flowers appear in springbefore leafout; these are followedin early summer by tiny,hairy orange or red fruit.