Where does Black Sumac naturally grow?

Black Sumac is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, with populations also found in Arizona and New Mexico.

When does Rhus copallina bloom?

Black Sumac typically blooms during July and August, producing small greenish-white flowers in dense terminal clusters.

What pollinators visit Black Sumac?

The flowers of Rhus copallina attract various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.

What are the growing requirements for Black Sumac?

This adaptable shrub thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and tolerates drought well once established, preferring low to moderate water conditions.

Is Black Sumac HOA-friendly?

Black Sumac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Black Sumac

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhus copallina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rhus copallina is a native deciduous shrub found across most of the eastern and central United States. It produces small greenish flowers in July and August, followed by brilliant red fall foliage.

Toxicity unknown

Black Sumac (Rhus copallina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

120"–300" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Shining sumac is a native shrub that grows 10-25 feet tall and wide, forming colonies through root suckers. It produces clusters of small greenish flowers in summer followed by red berries, and displays brilliant orange-red fall color.

Growing Black Sumac

Grow Black Sumac in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Sumac takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively by root suckers
Can appear wild and uncontrolled
Very large mature size for residential areas

Wildlife value

Host plant for red-spotted purple butterfly, spring azure butterfly.

The summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles for nectar and pollen. The red berries provide important food for birds throughout fall and winter.

Common questions

Where does Black Sumac naturally grow?: Black Sumac is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, with populations also found in Arizona and New Mexico.
When does Rhus copallina bloom?: Black Sumac typically blooms during July and August, producing small greenish-white flowers in dense terminal clusters.
What pollinators visit Black Sumac?: The flowers of Rhus copallina attract various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
What are the growing requirements for Black Sumac?: This adaptable shrub thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and tolerates drought well once established, preferring low to moderate water conditions.
Is Black Sumac HOA-friendly?: Black Sumac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Black Sumac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz