skip to main content

'Prairie Flame' Shining Sumac

14 years ago

Anyone growing Rhus copallina var. latifolia 'Morton'?

I have a hillside of white pines with an adjacent 30' x 30' grass opening. I have an assortment of native shrubs on the other side of the opening. The grass on this hillside is now dead thanks to the drought and the hot location. I'm considering replacing the dead sod with 'Prairie Flame' Shining Sumac. I want it to look somewhat naturalized and massed, with the added benefit of not having to mow the hillside.

Does 'Prairie Flame' sumac behave itself so that mowing where I want to keep it within bounds will be all that's required. And secondly, will I need to grow something under this plant to prevent erosion and suppress weeds. If so, what would you recommend. Finally, can I plant this species in the fall or should I wait until spring?

Just so you know where I'm coming from, I mostly do native plants in my yard, but I'm not opposed to adding a few non-natives to increase design possibilities especially when it comes to lower maintenance and function, so please advise accordingly.

Comment

Related Discussions
Easy to Grow and Care Shrubs
Q
Comments (12)
Easy to grow for me means that the plant will tolerate a range of conditions. Not be bothered by lots of bugs, does not require frequent prunning. For example in my area some Rhodies and Azaleas are not all that easy because they often get lace bugs. This requires regular spraying. Know it can be agrued that if the Rhodie was in the right spot then it would be less likely - which is true. I have three pjm's and that is it. I like to hear what is doing well for others and why. Winter is coming on and it is a good time to think about plants that have worked well and plan for the spring. Thanks for your replies. BTW Tried Physocarpus for first time this year. So far it was easy. See how it does next spring, Also got Hydrangae Pinky Winky - Bloomed nice - but the deer nibbled some of the young brnaches - but that is another dicussion Mike
...See More
Sumac Tree Question
Q
Comments (12)
I have a VERY similar plant I purchased under the name "Tiger Eyes". To me it is an unusual growing shrub. Each year the foliage is further and further up the trunks. With some pruning it could probably be turned into "a Japanese Maple type tree". Mine are what, five or so feet tall, perhaps four wide? They do sucker. Not crazy but I bet I have seen a dozen over two or three or four years. I have tried with poor results to separate and grow the suckers. No berries or flowers yet. There are tinges of red in the stressed foliage giving me hints of EXCELLENT fall color. It just never develops though. Mine probably get six to eight hours of sun and are planted mid slope on my gentle hill.
...See More
Photos needed for the National Convention
Q
Comments (35)
Teresa, Thanks for catching that. No! it is bone dry. I've been out since 8 cleaning out gardens and when I got tired mid-afternoon I did that look-up to justify sitting my 60-year-old bones down for a good rest. My gosh, what a luxury to have a) a spring weekday off and b) beautiful gorgeous perfect weather to work in the yard and c) promise of rain tomorrow. ;-) --MH
...See More
Rhus copallina var. latifolia 'Morton'
Q
Comments (1)
I am growing the species, not the variety and it has done well, only moderate suckering, great fall colour and at 6 years old is just getting to 5ft tall. As far as I know the species doesn't get much over 6-8ft. Mine came from a small specialty native plant nursery, open pollinated seed and not a variety.
...See More

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: Off-the-Grid Island Home Circles a Sunny Courtyard

By Mitchell Parker

A circular home is a cozy spot for gardening, woodworking and plenty of reading

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Autumn Views

By Annie Thornton

Share your pictures of fall foliage and decor in the Comments. Your photos may be featured in an upcoming story!

NATIVE PLANTS 10 Top Native Plants for the Rocky Mountain Region

By Susan J Tweit

Give your landscape a sense of place, and attract pollinators and songbirds, with these native plants

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants for Colorful Fall Foliage in the Water-Wise Western Garden

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Try these colorful, drought-tolerant additions to your garden for a fall season filled with color

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: Going Completely Off the Grid in Nova Scotia

By Mitchell Parker

Powered by sunshine and built with salvaged materials, this Canadian home is an experiment for green building practices

Sponsored

More Discussions

cold stratification?

1