Rhus microphylla

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Littleleaf or Desert Sumac

 
Plant photo of: Rhus microphylla
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme - Editor        Photographer: GardenSoft

 

Description

Deciduous shrub forms densely branched mound to 6' x 8'. Arching branches end in spine. Birds appreciate small red berries late summer. Compound deep green 5-9 leaflets. Red fall color. Extremely drought, soil, & heat tolerant. Spikes of tiny red flowers in early summer. Makes a dark beautiful evergreen shrub. Occurs in washes and on hillsides 2-6000' across Southwest. Needs good drainage. Fruit ornamental and wildlife food source.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Red

 

Flower Season

Winter

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Black, Red

 

Fruit Season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

n/a

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Different areas of your landscape have different water requirements.

Shrubs need much less water than lawns and drip systems should never be scheduled on the same program with lawns.

Establish separate watering schedules for those areas.