Winged sumac (Rhus copallina) is a tough, adaptable native that you can use when you want a colony-forming shrub or small tree with dramatic seasonal color. In summer it carries greenish-yellow flower panicles, followed by dense clusters of fuzzy red fruit that often persist well into fall and winter, bringing wildlife interest. The shiny, winged leaf stems and glossy foliage are attractive all season, then turn vivid red in autumn for a standout display.
Plant it in full sun for the best growth and fall color, though it also performs in part shade. Once established, it tolerates drought, heat, and lean, rocky, or sandy soils, and it is often used on edges, in naturalized areas, and in large-scale plantings where it has room to spread. Mature size is typically in the 7-15 ft range, and it can be grown as a multi-stemmed thicket or limbed up into a small tree form.
Because it spreads by root suckers and can form colonies, choose a site where that habit is welcome, or plan for regular pruning to keep it contained. Provide well-drained soil, water during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, and then let it settle into a lower-input routine. Leave fruiting clusters in place for seasonal interest, or prune after flowering if you prefer a tidier look.