Little Leaf Sumac
Rhus microphylla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Little Leaf Sumac is a drought-tolerant native shrub found in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas that blooms from March through May in full sun conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Little Leaf Sumac as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–96" H × 96"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, NM, OK, TX
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Little Leaf Sumac is a drought-tolerant native shrub with small, compound leaves and clusters of tiny spring flowers. It develops brilliant orange-red fall color before going dormant in winter. This hardy plant thrives in poor soils and extremely dry conditions.
Growing Little Leaf Sumac
Grow Little Leaf Sumac in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Little Leaf Sumac takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract various small pollinators including native bees and beneficial wasps. Birds consume the small red berries that follow the blooms.
Common questions
- Where does Little Leaf Sumac naturally grow?
- Rhus microphylla is native to the southwestern United States, specifically found in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- When does Little Leaf Sumac bloom?
- Little Leaf Sumac produces flowers from March through May, making it an early to mid-spring bloomer.
- What growing conditions does Little Leaf Sumac prefer?
- This shrub thrives in full sun exposure and requires very little water once established, making it excellent for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- How big does Little Leaf Sumac get?
- Little Leaf Sumac typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub that can reach 3 to 8 feet in height and spread, forming dense thickets in favorable conditions.
- Is Little Leaf Sumac toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Little Leaf Sumac as toxic to livestock.
- Is Little Leaf Sumac HOA-friendly?
- Little Leaf Sumac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Little Leaf Sumac fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.