Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Sapindales>Anacardiaceae>Rhus michauxii Sargent

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Very rare and declining throughout its range, Michaux's Sumac is a low shrub known from only a few locations in North Carolina.

Each leaf has 9-13 leaflets.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

The main stem and leaf stems are very hairy.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

There are a few individuals hanging on here in the Sandhills Game Land in a frequently-burned Longleaf Pine forest.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Detail showing the densely hairy rachis and petiolules.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

The leaflets are coarsely toothed.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Sometimes called False Poison Sumac, but the resemblance to Poison Sumac is slight at best.

Planted specimen, Chapel Hill, NC 9/30/05.

Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)

Leaf detail of same plant.

More information:
Center for Plant Conservation
Endangered Plants of the Southeastern US
NC Native Plant Society
SC Wildlife Federation

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