Sugar sumac

Rhus ovata

Plant type:
Shrub
Lifecycle:
Perennial
Growing season:
Cool
Cover:
Moderate

Soil

Acceptable soil conditions:
Clay, 
Loam, 
Silt, 
Sand, 
Gravel
Soil Conditions:
Acidic
Alkaline
CaCO3 tolerant
Salt

Location

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

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
Lifespan:
Long

Ecological

Best suited for these site conditions:
Cold
Disturbance
Fire
Flooding
Low light
Riparian
Best suited for these management goals:
Erosion control
Pollinator habitat
Weed management
Wildlife habitat

Additional Information

Warning:
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

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