Sicilian Sumac (Rhus coriaria)

Sicilian Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its ornamental foliage and edible fruit. It has large, pinnately compound leaves and produces upright panicles of fuzzy, reddish fruit.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25 °C. Can tolerate brief periods outside this range.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Water

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25 °C. Can tolerate brief periods outside this range.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Foliage, Fruit, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

2-5 m

Spread

3-6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Red, Orange

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

0.5 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Mar

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Rhus heterophylla C.C.Gmel.

Rhus ornifolia Pall. ex Gueldenst.

Rhus sumac O.Targ.Tozz.

Rhus variifolia DC.

Toxicodendron coriaria (L.) Kuntze

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderSapindales
familyAnacardiaceae
genusRhus
speciesRhus coriaria

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently during the first year to establish the plant. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Can be pruned to shape and control size. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering and fruiting.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in autumn or spring, or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Layering is also an effective method. Seeds may require stratification.

Young plants in containers should be repotted every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Mature plants are best left in their final containers or planted directly into the ground.

FAQs

Is Sicilian Sumac edible?

Yes, the fruit of Rhus coriaria is edible and is commonly used as a spice or flavoring, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine, due to its tart, lemony taste.

What are the light requirements for Rhus coriaria?

Rhus coriaria prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth, flowering, and fruiting.

How often should I water Sicilian Sumac?

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but avoid waterlogged conditions.

When is the best time to prune Rhus coriaria?

The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This allows for shaping and removal of any dead or damaged branches.

Does Rhus coriaria attract pollinators?

Yes, the flowers of Rhus coriaria attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Water

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25 °C. Can tolerate brief periods outside this range.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.

Image Gallery

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently during the first year to establish the plant. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in autumn or spring, or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Layering is also an effective method. Seeds may require stratification.

FAQs