Prairie flameleaf sumac
Rhus lanceolata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Prairie flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is a perennial tree native to AZ, NM, OK, TX. It blooms in July and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Prairie flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolata) 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
180"–360" H × 180"–300" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, NM, OK, TX
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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.
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A small deciduous tree or large shrub with compound, glossy leaves that turn brilliant red and orange in fall. Produces clusters of small white flowers in summer followed by fuzzy red fruit clusters, and can form colonies by root suckers.
Growing Prairie flameleaf sumac
Grow Prairie flameleaf sumac in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prairie flameleaf sumac is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- spreads by root suckers and can form colonies if not maintained
- may require periodic removal of suckers to keep a single-trunk form
Wildlife value
Host plant for red-banded hairstreak.
Summer flowers draw bees and butterflies, and the fall fruit clusters persist into winter as a food source for birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Prairie flameleaf sumac need?
- Prairie flameleaf sumac grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Prairie flameleaf sumac bloom?
- Prairie flameleaf sumac blooms in July and August.
- Where is Prairie flameleaf sumac native?
- Prairie flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is native to AZ, NM, OK, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Prairie flameleaf sumac host?
- Prairie flameleaf sumac is a larval host plant for red-banded hairstreak.
- Is Prairie flameleaf sumac HOA-friendly?
- Prairie flameleaf sumac is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Prairie flameleaf sumac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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