Black Sumac
Rhus copallina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–300" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Black Sumac fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.