Home and Landscape
Rhus
- Rhus, Lemonade Berry, Sugarbush, Sumac, Wax Tree—Rhus spp.
- Family Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)
Plant Identification
Rhus spp. are evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees. Leaves are divided. Foliage of deciduous types turns reddish in fall. In spring or summer, tiny yellow, white, or pink flowers form, followed by small yellow, white, or red fruit that is attractive to birds. Some species tend to produce suckers.
Optimum conditions for growth
Many species of Rhus are grown as background plants, screens, or hedges. Smaller types do well in containers. They do best when planted in areas with full sun and require little to moderate amounts of water. They tolerate most soil types but require good drainage.
