Rhus microphylla     
Littleleaf sumac   
Anacardiaceae Family     

Rhus microphylla (vase-shaped shrub in center of frame)

Form: rounded dense shrub; sometimes trained as tree
Seasonality: deciduous
Size: to 8ft, spread 12-15ft; moderate growth (1.5ft per year)
Leaves: pinnately compound leaf of 5-9 lanceolate 1.2in long leaflets; bright green during first flush of growth, darker green later
Flowers: flowers before spring re-leaf; small, white, inconspicuous; on branch ends
Fruit: round pea-sized fruit; green ripening to orange-reddish by summer; persistent
Stems/Trunks: stems may have spines on tips
Range/Origin: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, northern Mexico; elevations of 2000-5000ft
Hardiness: to 0°F

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• foundation plant
• can be trained as small patio tree
• attracts wildlife (birds)

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun to part shade
• Water: deep infrequent irrigation during hottest part of year (once per week)
• Soil: adaptable, good drainage
• Propagation: seed
• Maintenance: minimal; pruning to shape if desired

fruit and leaf form of Rhus microphylla

NOTES:

leaves have typical sumac shape

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This page was first created August 24, 2001 and last modified March 26, 2005.

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email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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