Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Anacardiaceae

Genus:

Rhus

Species:

Rhus microphylla

USDA Symbol:

RHMI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

red, orange

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire. Common component of fire-adapted desert scrub communities.

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Acid scarification or mechanical scarification improves germination. Cold stratification following scarification recommended.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI