Sugar sumac

Rhus ovata

plant type:
shrub
lifecycle:
perennial
growing season:
cool
cover:
Moderate

Soil

Acceptable Soil Types:
Clay
Loam
Silt
Sand
Gravel
Acceptable Soil conditions:
AcidicAlkalineSaltCaliche

Location

Min elevation:
0
Max elevation:
4500
Counties: 
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Maricopa
Mohave
Yavapai

Reproduction & Growth

Growth rate: 
High
Germination Overall: 
Low
Germination rate: 
Moderate
Germination Requirements: 
heat scarification (or acid treatment) followed by cold stratification required for germination
Establishment: 
Moderate

Ecological

Best Suited for these Site conditions:
ColdDisturbanceFireFloodingLow lightRiparian
Best Suited for these Management goals:
Drought resilienceErosion controlPollinator habitatWeed managementWildlife habitat

Additional Information

Commercial availability:
Commonly available
NOTES:
hybridizes often with Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia); good for bank river stabilization; container pots much more successful than from seed; may require supplemental irrigation to establish
Citations:
Montalvo, Riordan, & Beyers 2017, Pratt et al. 2014, Burkhart 2006, Keeley et al. 2006, Poole & Miller 1975