Dwarf Sumach, Winged sumac, Flameleaf Sumac, Winged Sumac, Shining Sumac

Rhus copallina

Physical Characteristics

Rhus copallina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Drink Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[22, 46, 161]. An agreeable acid flavour[2]. The fruit is only 3 - 5mm long with very little flesh, but it is borne on dense panicles and is thus easily harvested[229]. When soaked for 10 - 30 minutes in hot or cold water it makes a very refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course)[95, 105, 149, 159, 183]. The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery Enuresis Galactogogue Poultice Salve A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of dysentery[222]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of VD[257]. A poultice of the root has been applied to sores and skin eruptions[257]. A tea made from the bark has been drunk to stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers. A decoction of the bark has been used as a wash for blisters and sunburn blisters[222, 257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used to cleanse and purify skin eruptions[257]. The berries were chewed in the treatment of bed-wetting and mouth sores[222, 257]. Some caution is advised in the use of the leaves and stems of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.