Sicilian Sumac
Rhus coriaria
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azores, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Madeira, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
iNaturalist: © forb (iNaturalist #12038240)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Rhus
- Species:
- Rhus coriaria
- USDA Symbol:
- RHCO14
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, greenish-white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Aristotelia roseosuffusella, black-tipped pyralid moth (Moodna ostrinella), Endopiza rhoifructana, Episimus argutanus, Meroptera pravella, Obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), Showy Emerald (Dichorda iridaria), spotted datana (Datana perspicua)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in poor, rocky soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.