Rhus chinensis Seeds | Chinese Sumac
LATIN NAME: Rhus chinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Sumac
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Chinese Sumac (Rhus chinensis) stands out as a tree in the cashew family, native to China & Japan. Autumn foliage turns rich orange and red. It likes sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Rhus chinensis sits in the cashew family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In the cashew family, the Chinese sumac holds a curious place in gall research, and horned galls on leaf stalks have been studied for tannin chemistry for generations. Contemporary seed practice means a grower can raise it confidently with standard techniques.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Sumac has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In sunny garden, the Chinese sumac galls leaf stalks and reddens the autumn. Pinnate leaves and winged stalks give open, graceful form, horned galls have served inks, dyes and traditional preparations for generations, and fruits feed the birds. It grows fast, stands poor soils and turns rich orange and red. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Sumacs give the tangy, vitamin-C-rich red spice of Middle Eastern cooking and the traditional sumac-ade of North America; their tannins tanned leather and dyed cloth for millennia.
Growing from Seed
Starting Chinese Sumac from seed is simple and satisfying. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Chinese Sumac repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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