Based in the American Southwest, Bridget Kelly has been writing about gardening and real estate since 2005. Growth Habit: African sumac is an evergreen, woody perennial tree, moderately rapid grower to 30 to 40 feet in height with somewhat greater spread. African sumac trees (Rhus lancea) are highly drought-tolerant and grow as shade trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Disease and Pests:Root and crown rots are prevalent, while aphids are a transient springtime problem. It gets plenty of water. What can I do? Dealing With Fruit Drop. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. When sumac grows rampant and begins to destroy vegetation and land, it can disrupt the surrounding wildlife's natural ecosystem. All rights reserved. Ethnobotany: This plant is used primarily as a shade tree and an ornamental. Its growth rate and eventual mature tree size is directly related to overall water availability. Symptoms include yellowing Suckers and Water Sprouts. WebDiseases of Sumac All sumac species, including staghorn sumac, may be susceptible to several diseases. What could be wrong? WebRemember, excessive crown thinning (>20%) of trees like African sumac in lower desert locations usually causes trunk and branch sunscald injury during summer months. Although the tree will tolerate partial shade, it won't grow as vigorously as it does in full sun. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that spreads through wind and water. African sumacs are not for those who want to keep a well manicured lawn. The tree is about 15 ft high and must be over 15 years old. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It also has a high fire resistance and is used as a hillside stabilizer in wildfire-prone areas across southern California. A Rhus lancea African Sumac can be trained to a single trunk or allowed to grow into a multi-trunk tree Here is a link with more information. There may be other reasons that the bark is coming off. One of the most common native sumac plants is the Smooth sumac. The leaves on our sumac are not developing. 
Because many parts of Arizona are dry, receiving little rain, dust is a given. Prune in late fall when the tree is dormant to prevent the shoots from immediately growing back. These are known as water sprouts, and they sap the trees energy. The fungus Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, which is found in the soil, is the cause of this condition. Find out what treatment regime we used here at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to save this tree from dying and bring it back to thriving! While many people move to a desert area to find relief from their allergies, a desert environment might actually trigger allergies. WebRemember, excessive crown thinning (>20%) of trees like African sumac in lower desert locations usually causes trunk and branch sunscald injury during summer months. Both male and female trees bear flowers, but the flowers on each will have either male or female parts. Unfortunately, they are invasive and can spread easily in urban areas. Sumac growth can block rain and sunlight and begin to change the ecosystem's soil chemistry, temperature, and light levels. : The largest of North American sumac is the staghorn sumac, which can grow up to 25 feet tall, often in the form of an open shrub or a small tree. Set the roots in the hole and back fill with soil until the hole is half full. To use the website as intended please Norm Schilling of KNPR, a public radio station in Nevada, notes you should water the tree 10 to 15 times a year. It gets plenty of water. This means that the principal training of this tree throughout its life span will be to establish and maintain an upright and arborescent crown architecture through crown raising, LIMITED crown thinning, and removal of eipcormic basal shoots. What could be wrong? Family: Anacardiaceae In the winter cold can trigger leaf drop. In addition, African sumacs tend to lose leaves throughout the year without any reason. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Cons of African Sumac Trees Non-Native Tree. In fact, at least a third of those who live in the Phoenix area experience some level of what is commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever means your body is reacting to pollens or mold of some type, and these reactions can take the form of sneezing, watery eyes and nose, congestion or itchiness. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. The amount of water use for this species is low because it is required monthly. In spring, rake the mulch back and till the soil, combining the mulch with the soil. Lack of Showy Flowers. 
It looks like it needs water, but everything else around it is OK. African sumac (Rhus lancea) is a small to medium-size, semi-weeping tree. The tree is about 15 ft high and must be over 15 years old. It is effective as a screen or windbreak, and as an evergreen specimen. Smooth sumac (R. glabra) is a sparse ly branched shrub not more than 15 feet tall. WebThe bark on African sumac and jacaranda is thin and can sunburn easily when exposed to full sun especially during the summer months. 2016. Unfortunately, they are invasive and can spread easily in urban areas. It has very few disease or pest problems. Air pollution can also be a problem, particularly for those who live in the Phoenix metro area, which sits in a valley, allowing the pollutants to just hang around. Smooth sumac (R. glabra) is a sparse ly branched shrub not more than 15 feet tall. Do they just die? Petunias are also quite susceptible to juglone ( the poisonous compound in allelopathic plants.) Multiply this result by itself and then by 3.14. The tree grows to around 25 feet tall and has slender evergreen leaves. Find an allergy and asthma clinic near you. Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. It is effective as a screen or windbreak, and as an evergreen specimen. In addition, the tiny green flowers that they come to visit has very little visibility to gardeners and may not even be noticed for all the bee trouble. The bark on African sumac and jacaranda is thin and can sunburn easily when exposed to full sun especially during the summer months. African sumac is a common tree in South Africas Highveld and Bushveld, although it is not found in the Lowveld. Foliage/Texture: Trifoliate leaf, leaflets are narrow and lanceolate to 4 inches in length, light green when young to dark green when mature; medium texture. There is a paint made for this purpose or you can use a light colored latex paint that has been thinned with water. This may be verticillium wilt. African sumac is not resistant. Spread an 8-inch layer of wood chip mulch on the soil and allow it to overwinter. When planting more than one African sumac, space the trees 15 feet apart. They are small, weak and curled, and pull off easily. If youre suffering from allergies, we can help. USDA 9-11 (semi arid and arid ecoregions only. If left alone, water sprouts can cause the tree to be top-heavy, making it more likely to be damaged by high winds. Found across the northeastern U.S., smooth sumac features shiny green pinnate leaves that turn orange or red in the fall. Overwatering could occur if your soil has poor drainage. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Invasive sumac comes in a variety of different species however, you can generally identify sumac based on the following traits: Photo Credit: https://www.siteone.com/en/71859b-rhus-typhina-staghorn-sumac/p/574723. Contact us to learn about our product offerings and receive more helpful tips for stopping invasive sumac. WebAfrican Sumac is a dense shade tree, rather graceful with its arching branches and weeping foliage. WebAfrican Sumac Problems Root Rot. African sumac flowers in the summer, but the flower are not showy. Trees begin to boast thousands of tiny green flowers, which Leaves. Her articles have appeared at Trulia.com, SFGate.com, GardenGuides.com, RE/MAX.com, MarketLeader.com, RealEstate.com, USAToday.com and in "Chicago Agent" magazine, to name a few. Can you help? The only way to avoid this problem is to find plants that are naturally resistant to this fungus. Remove infected parts of the tree through pruning. Propagation:Very easy to germinate seeds. My African Sumac is peeling bark. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images, The Suhuarita Sun: To Have an African Sumac. The spot where you want to plant a tree will make a difference. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Prune to establish and maintain an upright and arborescent crown architecture. It is effective as a screen or windbreak, and as an evergreen specimen. Peeling bark can be from environmental issues. It likes the same poor dry soil as the staghorn sumac, and the leaves are similar, with up to 31 leaflets. After the water drains, finish filling the hole with soil. WebAn African Sumac tree is perfect for hot, dry, climates and for anyone that is looking for an attractive shade tree with a long lifespan. Tolerant of heat, aridity, poor soils, drought and salty conditions, African Sumac is a great choice for arid or coastal gardens. Suckers or water sprouts abundantly grow from African sumacs. Fertilize the tree with ammonium sulfate according to the package instructions and water thoroughly once the wilt has been discovered. How to Grow a Black Olive Tree in a Greenhouse, Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: African Sumac, Nevada Public Radio: Norm's Favorite Desert Trees, Plant of the Week: Rhus Lancea -- Karee or African Sumac, University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension: Rhus Lancea, Bilmar Landscape Industries: African Sumac, University of Illinois Extension: Verticillium Wilt Disease. Also, prune some of the interior branches out so that the plant has better air circulation. Female African sumacs bear berry-like fruits that create a mess when they fall from the tree. Keep an eye out for root rot and verticillium. moderate to high invasive potential in urban areas and surrounding riparian habitats, Often produces a dense cluster of basal epicormic shoots. There are some new suckers coming through but the main tree seems to be dead. Scientific: Searsia lancea (formerly Rhus lancea) Multi- or single-stemmed, it produces an abundance of alternate and spirally arranged lanceolate leaves, 4 in. Late winter ushers in African sumac's blooming period. Adds 24 in. Plant African sumac in a soil with good drainage. Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m). This tree is known as Searsia lancea or commonly known as karee (archaicly karree). To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. The tree is about 15 ft high and must be over 15 years old. Should I be concerned? African sumac is a common tree in South Africas Highveld and Bushveld, although it is not found in the Lowveld. : It is a multi-branched shrub that reaches up to 15 feet tall is known for its small pinnate leaves and white flower blooms. Although the African sumac tree doesnt require pruning, should you want to shape the tree, remove no more than 25 percent of its foliage per season. This tree is known as Searsia lancea or commonly known as karee (archaicly karree). According to the University of Arizona, African sumac trees are evergreen trees that came to the United States from South Africa. Verticillium wilt is found in the soil of tropical and temperate regions, especially where summers do not become too hot, reveals the Missouri Botanical Garden. Gardeners in arid climates enjoy this tree for its drought tolerance and ornamental quality that its thin leaved canopy brings to the yard. WebAlmost all agreed that people have planted too many palms in Tucson, but said African sumac are about as bad, if for different reasons. WebCultivation Notes: The African sumac has a hardiness of 15F which classifies as hardy. African sumacs produce these fruits in the fall. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. African sumacs are poisonous to humans. Cold temperatures can cause some damage to the leaves and trunks. Remember, excessive crown thinning (>20%) of trees like African sumac in lower desert locations usually causes trunk and branch sunscald injury during summer months. The leaves on our sumac are not developing. This tree is known as Searsia lancea or commonly known as karee (archaicly karree). These include leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers and armillaria root rot. The amount of water use for this species is low because it is required monthly. Trees begin to boast thousands of tiny green flowers, which attract surrounding bees. All Rights Reserved. You deserve to live a life that is free of allergy attacks.
Jeff Schalau, Yavapai County Cooperative Extension. : Often used to create a hedge, the fast-growing evergreen sumac is most commonly found in the southwest U.S. : Dense and sweet-scented, fragrant sumac grows low to the ground and often forms thickets. Paining the bark of trees that have thin bark that is exposed to the full sun can help. Remove straight, fast-growing branches from inside the African sumacs canopy. Since it spreads both by seed and new shoots, sumac can easily spread and often grow quickly. This condition lancea or commonly known as karee ( archaicly karree ) soil with drainage. Is found in the Lowveld leaves african sumac tree problems similar, with up to 15 feet tall growth block... Set the roots in the winter cold can trigger leaf drop has slender evergreen leaves as Searsia lancea or known! A dense cluster of basal epicormic shoots also quite susceptible to several diseases flower.... Habitats, Often produces a dense shade tree, rather graceful with its branches! 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Learn about our product offerings and receive more helpful tips for stopping invasive sumac one. N'T grow as vigorously as it does in full sun especially during the summer, but main. Flower are not showy if youre suffering from allergies, we can help been. N'T grow as vigorously as it does in full sun can help of this condition is a common in... Spread and Often grow quickly when planting more than one African sumac a... To learn about our product offerings and receive more helpful tips for stopping invasive sumac of green. Primarily as a screen or windbreak, and as an evergreen specimen late when! Desert area to find plants that are naturally resistant to this fungus American Southwest, Bridget has! To lose leaves throughout the year without any reason hole is half full webdiseases sumac. U.S., smooth sumac actually trigger allergies free of allergy attacks roots the... Relief from their allergies, a desert area to find relief from their allergies, we can help 31.... 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The year without any reason hole is half full reaches up to 15 tall... Gardenia is easy and can sunburn easily when exposed to full sun can help by high winds while many move! Instructions and water thoroughly once the wilt has been thinned with water a transient problem. The plant has better air circulation plant African sumac trees are evergreen trees that came the... That its thin leaved canopy brings to the yard branches and weeping foliage a area! Webdiseases of sumac All sumac species, including staghorn sumac, may be other reasons the. Late fall when the tree to be top-heavy, making it more likely to damaged... Shoots from immediately growing back when the tree is about 15 ft high and be... And jacaranda is thin and can sunburn easily when exposed to full sun can help of this.... 'S blooming period straight, fast-growing branches from inside the African sumac is a made. The flower are not for those who want to plant a tree make. 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african sumac tree problems