Rhus typhina

There are some trees that look more like bushes than tree plants, but precisely for this reason the Rhus typhina It is a very interesting species. It grows fast, tolerates pruning, and what about its leaves?

For much of the year they look green, but as soon as the cold approaches they become even more precious if possible. So whether you have a garden or just a patio or terrace, I can assure you that you will enjoy seeing how this wonderful plant grows.

What is its origin and its characteristics?

In order to see it grow in its natural state we have to go to the eastern North America, although we will also see it in southeastern Canada. And of course, since we humans need to name everything in order to communicate better, the great master Carlos Linneo decided to call it Tetradium danielli back in 1756, although today botanists know it as Rhus typhina; while it is popularly known as rus, rustifina or Virginia sumac.

If we talk about its characteristics, we have to say that reaches a height between 3 and 10 meters, with a more or less oval crown made up of pubescent branches (covered by very short hairs). The leaves are made up of 9-31 leaflets or pinnae up to 55cm long, green except in autumn when they turn reddish-orange before falling.

Es dioecious, which means that there are male specimens and female specimens. The flowers of the former grow in large pink spikes, and those of the latter are the same but smaller and do not stand out as much. The fruits are ovoid in shape, are bright-red and measure about 20cm.

What care do you need to live?

What do you need to know to be able to enjoy the beauty of this tree (or small tree)? So basically that it has to be - and this is very important - outsideeither in full sun or semi-shade. Its roots are not invasive, although it is necessary to know that in its habitat, and if the conditions are very favourable, it can grow in groups, which is why if you want it that way, it will have to be planted at least 4-5 meters from walls, walls, etc.

Irrigation has to be moderate since it does not resist drought. In general, I recommend watering it about 3 times a week during the summer, and about 2 times a week the rest of the year. Take advantage of the warm season to fertilize it with guano or compost from time to time, and you will see how beautiful it gets.

It multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring, germinating or rooting after two or three weeks. And if it was not enough, it resists frosts down to -7ºC and, in addition, it admits lime.