Littleleaf Sumac

Rhus microphylla

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Genus:
Rhus
Species:
Rhus microphylla

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
12-20 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
White, Green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Hemileuca chinatiensis, Saturnia anona

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o