Rhus virens
Evergreen Sumac is a handsome native shrub featuring thick, leathery dark-green pinnate foliage that takes on rich mahogany-bronze tones in winter. Indigenous to dry limestone hills and canyon walls, it produces sweet-scented creamy white flower clusters in late summer, attracting swarms of native bees and butterflies. In fall, female plants produce fuzzy, reddish drupes packed with tart acids historically brewed into a wild lemonade by Native Americans and eaten by winter songbirds.
Height: 3-8 ft.
Spread: 2-5 ft.
Foliage: Evergreen
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water Need: Low
Sun Need: Part Sun, Full Sun
Substrate / Soil: Limestone, Loam, Gravelly
Bloom Season: Jul, Aug, Sep
This species serves as an essential host plant for caterpillar larvae of: Red-Banded Hairstreak.
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