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Landscape Design Ask The Yard Doctor

Is Tiger Eyes Sumac a tree or a shrub?

3 years ago

I have a spot for a Tiger Eyes Sumac (Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger') but am not sure if the plant I'm buying is a tree or a shrub. Online nurseries identify it as both, and some state the growth as up to 6' x 6', but others as up to 10' x 12'. I would prefer something with more or a tree habit with a visible trunk at the bottom and spreading on top.

How do I tell what I'm getting is a tree vs. a shrub? Or is it all the same, just depending on how you prune it? I've attached an example of each to show what I'm talking about. Basically I'm wondering how do I tell if the plant I'm buying is the top or the bottom.

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Comments (4)

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Yardvaark
3 years ago
It's going to be a not too tall tree that grows in dense thickets. The bottom picture, above, is a young pup.
Bruce Hansen thanked Yardvaark
Christopher CNC
3 years ago
It is a slow growing dwarf selection that will be a shrub for a long time before ever making a small tree height. If you want a single trunk you will have to select and train for that as needed. The biggest factor in whether it becomes a small tree is going to be your climate and growing conditions. The local environment plays a big role in how these will grow and develope.
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I agree with Ken. This is a prime location and is the first thing/area any visitor will see. I don't think I would put the Sumac there either. Not because I don't like them, I do, I have two very nice specimens in my yard. I wouldn't choose them for that location because I don't think they are at all attractive in the winter. They definitely wouldn't be the first thing I would want visitors to see in the winter. I think I would go for some type of evergreen or something with an architectural branching structure that would look interesting with snow on it.
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Wow. I haven't had any trouble with suckering! What I did learn the hard way is this is one of those shrubs that you can't water. As a matter of fact, stomping on the ground around it, swearing at it, taunting it with the hose? It all works to keep it growing well. I watered mine last year and it got all mouldy and died. Perhaps that was why there weren't any suckers? Christine
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If I remember right the tag stated it got about 6x6. I eyed these for a couple of years before finding them on clearance....so I bought 2. They were lovely, giving you 3 seasons of color and uniquely shaped. What's not to love?! I thought perfect...for a couple back bed focal points. Planted them up and they came back nicely this year. I recently started researching them, looking for growth rate. That's when I discovered what a real nuisance they can be. Yes this can go under the 'Live and learn' title...do your homework first!! Kimka...you may want to read the link I've included. (Sure glad I got them on clearance)
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Hi There, Thank you for your responses. I don't know how old the plant really is. However, I moved in the house 2 years ago, and I know the previous owners did a major landscaping overhaul in 2004, so if I were to guess, I would guess 6 years old. The odd part is that there is no signs of infection or insect infestation what so ever. The other Sumac that I have is standing tall only 10 feet away. The off shoot that I mentioned earlier, is growing straight from the base of the main trunk, so I doubt that the root is dead...Do you think there is a chance that the leaves will grow back this summer, or next spring?
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Jj J
3 years ago
In my experience, sumac is pretty insistent, sending runners all over the place, including neighboring yards. If you don’t mind keeping that in line, the fall color is so very lovely. I hope your variety is better behaved than my neighbor’s was.
Bruce Hansen thanked Jj J
Bruce Hansen
Original Author
3 years ago
So it sounds like it's all the same; it depends on how you train it. @JJ the nursery claims that this variety spreads less than other Sumacs but I'll keep a close eye on it.

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