Rhus copallina

Flameleaf Sumac

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The foliage of the large colonizing shrub is dark green and shiny with 9 - 21 leaflets that have wings between the leaflets. In summer, it blooms with attractive greenish-yellow 8" x 4" flowers. In fall, the ripe, crimson red fruit is an important food for wildlife. Like other sumacs, this shrub will increase to form thickets. It does best in open areas where it can naturalize.

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Height
20-30 Feet

Spread
20-30 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

Good Companions

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Post Oak (Quercus stellata), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

•

UPL

Nature Attracting

•

Songbird

Season of Interest

•	Late (July-frost)
•	Winter (Nov-Mar)

Soil Moisture

•

Average

Special Features

•	Good Berries

Special Uses

•	Dried Flower

Sun Exposure

•	Full Sun
•	Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

•	Osage Plains
•	Central Dissected Till Plain
•	Ozark Highlands

Wildlife Benefit

•	Cover
•	Food/Small Animals
•	Food/Birds
•	Nesting