Winged Sumac

Winged Sumac
Rhus copallinum

Guelph is within the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, part of the Anishinaabe peoples

In Anishinaabemowin Ojibwe, sumacs are generally referred to as

Zaagakomin

This term applies broadly to sumac species and may not distinguish between Smooth Sumac, Fragrant Sumac, Staghorn Sumac, or Winged Sumac Usage varies between communities and dialect regions

Common Name Winged Sumac
Scientific Name Rhus copallinum
Type Deciduous native shrub
Light Full sun
Moisture Dry to moderately moist well drained soils
Height 3–6 m 10–20 ft
Spread 2–4 m 6–12 ft
Soil Sandy gravelly or rocky soils tolerant of poor conditions
Habitat Open woods prairie edges dry slopes and disturbed sites

Ecological Value

Winged Sumac is a strong structural shrub for meadow and prairie systems Its late season flowers support pollinators while dense clusters of red fruit persist into fall and winter providing food for birds and wildlife

The compound leaves are distinctive with narrow winged stems between leaflets giving the plant texture and visual movement Summer foliage is deep green shifting to vivid orange and crimson in autumn

Winged Sumac spreads by root suckers forming colonies that stabilize soil and create habitat cover It performs exceptionally well in dry exposed sites and is well suited for naturalized plantings, slope stabilization, and climate resilient landscapes

Ecological and Climate Adaptation

Winged Sumac tolerates heat drought and lean soils making it a strong candidate for southern Ontario’s warming climate Deep root systems help anchor soil and improve resilience in restoration settings

Planting to Protect Restoring to Thrive Origin Native Plants 🌱

1 Gallon Pot