Image of Rhus copallinum
Source: Riverbanks Outdoor Store
image of Shrub
Rhus copallinum
Winged Sumac
Sumac brillant

Obsolete Names

shining sumac
upland sumac
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green Bloom period: Jul - Aug
Max Height: 7.0 feet
Max Width: 5.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
school garden Suitable for school gardens
hedge Can be used as a hedge
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: No

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Rhus copallinum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Rhus copallinum

  • Acronicta rubricoma (Ruddy Dagger)

Specialized Bees Supported by Rhus copallinum

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
  • Forsythieae (Forsythia)
  • Diervilla) (Non-Native Honeysuckle)
  • Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam)
  • Cotnius (Smokebush)
  • Impatiens balsamina (Impatiens balsamina)
  • Berberis (Barberry)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by January
  • Stratification duration: 90 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Cover with boiling water and let soak for 24.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: October
  • Harvesting indicator: Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
  • Harvesting mean: Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Not known to be toxic to mammals if ingested.