Sumacs or botanically know as Rhus, belong to a family of plants that contain about 200 species. Several species are ornamental and some of those are offered by Nature Hills. The Rhus family encompasses deciduous and evergreen plants. The evergreen sumacs are generally tropical and the deciduous sumacs are predominant in the United States. The ornamental sumacs are used in the landscape because of the graceful form, fall color, and colorful fruits clusters. Wildlife is attracted to the sumac fruit. Ring-necked pheasant, quail, wild turkey, and about 300 species of songbirds include sumac fruit in their diet.
Sumac shrubs are in demand mainly for their fall color. The flaming red leaves virtually light up a fall landscape. Sumac has been excluded from the landscape because of the relationship with ‘poison’ sumac. The sumacs offered by Nature Hills are not poisonous and have great value for fall color, erosion control, and as wildlife cover. Sumacs are hardy, tough plant that is easy to grow and have few pests to contend with. Sumacs are tolerant of slightly acid soil conditions and soil textures ranging from coarse to fine. Nature Hills offer several varieties of sumacs and they are listed below.