Flameleaf Sumac
Rhus lanceolataFlameleaf Sumac is a small tree native to Central Texas that grows 12–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide. It wants full sun or part shade and very low water, and handles caliche soil. Blooms white, yellow and green in Jul–Aug. Deer rarely browse it. Good for birds and butterflies.
Will it grow in your yard?
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From our guide
Village of the HillsSmall tree or thicket-forming shrub with compound leaves that turn brilliant orange-red in fall. Female plants carry upright red fruit clusters.
Why it works here
Among the most dependable fall color in Central Texas, on ground too dry and rocky for most trees. Fruit feeds birds through winter.
Watch out
Suckers aggressively and forms colonies. Give it space or plan to cut runners.
The facts
5 sources- Type
- Small tree
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade (3+ hrs)
- Water
- Very low
- Height
- 12–15 ft
- Spread
- 10–20 ft
- Bloom
- Jul–Aug · white, yellow, green
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Takes caliche
- Deer
- High — deer rarely browse it. Aromatic resinous foliage
- Wildlife
- Supports birds and butterflies
Where it grows
2,158 occurrence records in Central Texas (GBIF).
Can you buy it?
In the Village of the Hills guide, but not on the grower stock lists we read yet. Ask a native-plant nursery.
also grows from seed It starts readily from seed, so a packet from a native-seed supplier, or seed collected with permission, is often the easiest way to get a plant no nursery pots.