El rhus typhina, Also known as Virginia sumac or flaming sumac, it is a shrub native to North America, which has become popular worldwide for its high ornamental value.
In addition, its leaves are an extraordinary refuge for wildlife, and it has played an important role in traditional medicine. It is time to know much more about this curious plant.
Origin and habitat of rhus typhina
Sumac is native to North America, where it occurs primarily in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
It is a very adaptable plant that is capable of growing in different environmental conditions. But in its place of origin it grows in wooded areas, riverine forests, roadsides and grasslands. In fact, it has proven to be a fairly resistant species against air pollution.
Physical characteristics of flaming sumac
Once you have seen a rhus typhina, it is impossible for you to confuse this plant with another, because it has characteristics that clearly differentiate it from other varieties of shrubs.
- Height and shape. It is a shrub that can range in size from medium to large, as it can reach between 5 and 10 meters in height. Its natural shape is rounded and extended, with a wide and open crown that allows you to enjoy the beauty of its leaves.
- Trunk and bark. The trunk of this plant is short and divided, with multiple branches extending from the base. Its bark is rough, grayish-brown in color. In addition, it has some protuberances and fissures that give it a distinctive appearance.
- Leaves. Its leaves are pinnate and alternate, arranged in a feather shape along the stem, and each leaf is made up of multiple leaflets that have a lanceolate or elliptical shape. Between spring and summer they are a bright green, but in autumn they go through shades of red, orange and yellow. In fact, it is precisely in autumn when this variety is more beautiful than ever. Afterwards, the leaves fall, because this is a deciduous shrub.
- Flowers. The flowers of rhus typhina are small and greenish in color. They appear in erect inflorescences (panicles) that emerge from the plant during spring.
- Fruits. After the flowers appear the fruits, characterized by their round shape and hairy texture. Drupes, which is what they are called, start out green and turn red with the arrival of autumn. In fact, if they are not removed, they remain on the tree during the winter.
Applications within traditional medicine
In the modern practice of medicine, the rhus typhina shrub is not considered a medicinal plant. However, the indigenous cultures of North America They have traditionally used parts of this plant for medicinal purposes.
The bark and roots have been applied to treat digestive problems such as diarrhea and dyspepsia. Extracts of rhus typhiThey have not been used for muscle and joint pain for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. While preparations based on flaming sumac have been used to treat skin conditions such as rashes or insect bites.
Today, these supposed medicinal effects They are not supported by science. Furthermore, it is recommended not to use rhus typhina for treat diseases or conditions, because some parts of the plant have toxic compounds.
What care does rhus typhina need?
Virginia sumac is a fairly hardy shrub and requires little maintenance once it is established in the ground. However, if we give it good care, We will make it healthier and more beautiful.
Location for this variety
The best location for this plant is one that is sunny and has some partial shade. Like most deciduous species, it tolerates the sun well, and needs an average of six hours a day of direct sunlight to grow optimally.
It is quite resistant to heat, and can withstand very hot and dry climates. However, if you can choose a location, make sure it receives some shade during the central hours of the day in summer.
Irrigation conditions
In the first year after planting You have to water regularly a couple of times a week. To help the roots settle into the ground.
What is not necessary is to provide a lot of water in each irrigation episode. The soil should be evenly moist, but never waterlogged.
After the first year, this shrub becomes quite resistant to drought, but only tolerates it for short periods of time, so we must not completely forget about irrigation.
When you see that the soil is dry in a layer two to three centimeters deep, it is time to add water.
Planting medium
Rhus typhina grows best in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, it receives the contribution of organic matter to the soil very well, because allows you to get more nutrients.
However, this is a very adaptable shrub. It can grow in clay soils, although in this case watering will have to be greatly limited so that the roots do not rot due to humidity. Also can survive in extremely dry soils, as long as we have the foresight to provide the water it needs.
If the soil is fertile, it does not require additional fertilization. If it is not, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in spring, or add a little organic compost or humus to its substrate.
Pruning rhus typhina
If you have enough space for it to grow and develop, it is best not to prune this shrub, let it grow freely so that its leaves show all their beauty. But always branches that show symptoms of disease or injury should be pruned, and those who have died.
You can carry out pruning at any time of the year, but try to avoid doing it in spring and summer, as this could increase the risk of sap bleeding and the bush will take longer to recover.
Easy to care for, adaptable and very beautiful, rhus typhina is a good choice for those looking for a shrub that does not require much work and has great ornamental value.