Winged Sumac

Winged Sumac    

Botanical Name: Rhus copallinum   

Description (growth habits, light requirements & care): A deciduous shrub or small tree growing 4-15 (30) feet tall. Prefers full sun and well-drained soils, though it tolerates a range of conditions, including some wet soils.

*This is one of the few shrubs that produces brilliant red fall color in much of Florida.

How you can help by planting this: Provides wildlife with shelter and its red berries serve as food for birds, especially in winter months. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, jays, and crows; white-tailed deer, opossums, wild turkey, and quail. Bark is eaten by rabbits. Flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Host plant for the red-banded hairstreak caterpillar and the Luna moth. 

Flower and Fruit (color, characteristics, season): Small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in late spring, followed by red, clustered fruits that ripen in the fall.  

Pairs well with: Goldenrod, Little Strongbark, Swamp Milkweed for a garden that supports birds and pollinators year-round.