Description of the sumac plant, agricultural techniques for planting and caring for a vinegar tree, breeding rules, how to deal with pests and diseases, facts to note for gardeners, species and varieties.
Sumac (Rhus) is, according to the botanical classification, a member of the Sumac family (Anacardiaceae). The area of natural growth falls on the territory of almost all areas on the planet, which includes the lands of North America and Africa, as well as Europe, the eastern and anterior Asian regions. The genus numbers, according to various sources, from 130 to 250 species. However, more of them are found in South African lands.
| Family name | Anacardiaceae |
| Growing period | Perennial |
| Vegetation form | Shrub or tree |
| Breeds | Vegetatively (root shoots) and only occasionally by seeds |
| Open ground transplant terms | In spring or autumn |
| Landing rules | Pit 50x50 cm, seedlings are planted no closer than 2 m |
| Priming | Sandy, sandy-stony or sandy-clayey, nutritious and sandy loam, but can be grown on any light soil |
| Soil acidity values, pH | Any |
| Illumination level | Exceptionally well-lit location |
| Humidity level | Regular watering only for seedlings, adult plants are drought tolerant |
| Special care rules | Spring pruning recommended |
| Height options | 0.5–12 m, occasionally reaching 20 m |
| Flowering period | June July |
| Type of inflorescences or flowers | Racemose or panicle inflorescences |
| Color of flowers | Greenish or yellowish orange |
| Fruit type | Small drupe |
| Fruit color | Red |
| The timing of fruit ripening | From september |
| Decorative period | Year-round |
| Application in landscape design | In single and group plantings, in Japanese stone gardens, for the formation of hedges |
| USDA zone | 3–9 |
This sumac got its name in Latin thanks to the Greek word “rhus”, which translates as “tanning tree” or “dyeing tree”. This is how the species of sumach (Rhus coriaria) foliage and young shoots of which were used in tanning leather was called on the territory of Greece, but there is a version that the origins of this term go back to the Celtic word "rhudd", meaning "red" due to the fact that the fruits have a reddish tint.
It is curious that in the Aramaic language the word “Sumaqa” also has a translation “red”. In Russian, you can hear how the plant is called "vinegar tree" or "vinegar", since sumac contains such tannins as tannins, which are exactly tannic acid, and the sour taste of the foliage also contributed to this name.
All representatives of the sumach genus can take a shrub, liana-like or tree-like shape, but in the latter case, their height is insignificant. So, on average, plant heights vary in the range of 0.5–12 m, while some specimens are able to stretch up to 20 meters. The color of the bark of the branches is brown.
The leaf plates on the shoots of sumach are arranged in the next order; they can take a simple shape, triple or have odd-pinnate outlines. The deciduous mass is painted in rich shades of green color scheme. The deciduous mass usually begins to change color with the arrival of autumn, in which orange and red tones appear. The foliage then flies, but sometimes vinegars are evergreens. The total length of the leaves is almost half a meter.
Sumac blooms only when it reaches 4–5 years of age. When blooming, a large number of small flowers are revealed. This process begins between June and July. On one plant sumach can form unisexual (male or female) or bisexual flowers. They form dense inflorescences that have the appearance of a cone-shaped spikelet or panicle. The length of the inflorescences can be measured in the range of 10–20 cm with a diameter of about 4–6 cm. There are five sepals and petals in the flower. The color of the petals in sumach flowers is very nondescript, usually it has a greenish or yellowish-orange tint. At the same time, the male flowers of the vinegar tree are characterized by light shades, and the pistillate female flowers flaunt with reddish or reddish-brown tones.
After the sumach inflorescences have passed pollination, the time comes for the ripening of fruits, represented by small drupes. Fruits begin to ripen from the beginning of autumn days. Pyramidal panicle infructescences are formed from drupes. They look beautiful on vinegar because of their red hue. Berries do not attract feathered brethren in the garden and decorate the plant after falling leaves throughout the winter. It is important to note that both flowering and fruiting in the vinegar tree occurs when it reaches the age of six.
Despite the unpretentiousness and general spectacular appearance of sumach, it is worth remembering that not all varieties can withstand winter in the middle lane. It is also important not to forget that among vinegars there are poisonous specimens. But in general, with little effort on the part of the gardener, you can get such an outlandish plant on your site.
Agrotechnics of planting and caring for sumac in the garden
- Landing place vinegar tree is best identified on a sunny location, not only shade, but even light shading affects the plant negatively. It is only necessary to provide protection to plants from gusts of wind. The close occurrence of groundwater is undesirable.
- Sumach soil it does not seem to be a problem to choose, since the plant will feel great even on a very poor substrate. If other garden plants in such places wither and die, then the vinegar will invariably delight with a chic crown. In any case, the soil should be dry and well-drained, although on rare occasions the vinegar tree can tolerate moderately moist and moist drained soil. In nature, sandy, sandy-stony or sandy-clayey compositions are preferred. The acidity of the substrate can be as low (pH 4–5), or the soil can be saline. The best choice for sumach is nutritious sandy loam soil. Some gardeners mix ordinary garden soil with river sand and humus. It is important that the composition of the soil is not heavy and dense.
- Planting sumac. They are engaged in planting a vinegar tree in the spring or autumn period (in September-October, so that adaptation takes place before frost). In order to plant a vinegar seedling, it is recommended to prepare a planting pit with a depth and width of half a meter. After that, half a bucket of compost or humus mixed with the soil removed from the pit is placed in the depression. Then a bucket of water is poured into the hole and when the moisture completely goes into the ground, they start planting. The level at which the sumach seedlings are located should be no lower than the plants grew up to this time, it is desirable that the root collar be at the same level with the soil on the site. After the plant is installed in the pit, the substrate is poured into it on the sides and squeezed slightly. The next step is to water, so that about 1/2 bucket of water gets into the circle near the trunk. After planting, it is recommended to mulch the soil in the near-trunk circle using compost, sawdust or crushed peat. Since sumac has the property of rapid growth, it is very important when planting to limit the spread of the root system. To do this, dig in roofing material or sheets of metal around the perimeter of the planting pit, which will become a reliable barrier to root processes. When planting in groups, the distance between seedlings should not be less than 2 meters, since the crown of the plant grows strongly over time.
- Watering when cultivating sumac, it is not necessary to do it often, since the plant is characterized by resistance to drought. However, this rule is true only for adult specimens, only planted seedlings or young plants need to be moistened regularly, without allowing the soil to dry out too much. If you periodically water large trees, then the formed deciduous mass, like flowering, will become a real decoration of the vinegar tree. In this case, humidification should not be abundant and frequent.
- Fertilizers. When a plant such as sumac is grown in the garden, top dressing should be applied no more than once a year. It is recommended to use complete mineral complexes, such as Kemira-Universal or Fertika. You should not get carried away with drugs that contain a large amount of nitrogen or mineral components, since they will negatively affect the growth of the vinegar tree (it will slow down greatly) and may even die altogether.
- Pruning when caring for sumac, it should be carried out regularly, all because in especially harsh winters, frosting of the tops of its branches is observed. Therefore, it is recommended to cut off shoots in a "forced order", since after that, new growth buds will begin to form on the main branches. New shoots will start growing in a vertical plane. When grown, some gardeners form the crown of the vinegar in the form of a tall shrub.
- General advice on care. Like any plant, sumach is recommended to weed and loosen the soil in the root zone. But this should be done very carefully, since the root system is shallow and spreads in a horizontal plane. It is necessary to periodically cut down young growth, since the plant has the property of quickly conquering nearby territories.
- Wintering when growing sumach is not a problem, since in our latitudes the vinegar perfectly tolerates even severe frosts and does not require shelter. If the specimen has undergone frostbite, then it is recommended to cut off such branches with the arrival of spring, since the plant will begin to actively grow young shoots. This is because a well-developed and powerful root system will not allow the vinegar tree to die completely.
- The use of sumac in landscape design. Due to its spectacular shape, the vinegar stands in a special place. Such plantings become especially beautiful with the arrival of autumn, when inflorescences are formed, seedlings and velvety foliage take on colorful shades, changing the color from green to pinkish or burgundy, but the colors are not limited to these shades. It is interesting to note that young shoots have colorful pubescence of reddish hairs. Because of these properties, the vinegar tree can be perfectly grown as a tapeworm or in group plantings. The best neighbors for sumach can be coniferous representatives of the flora, such as, for example, blue spruce or thuja. A good solution would be to plant a vinegar in stone gardens and rockeries. If the site has slopes on which the soil crumbles, then it can be fixed by planting sumach seedlings with a branched root system. A hedge from such representatives of flora will look beautiful. Since the plant persistently tolerates gassed and polluted city air, it is often planted in parks or squares, since the vinegar is undemanding in care, drought resistance and the ability to take root even on the most impoverished substrate.
Read also about the agrotechnology of planting and caring for skumpia in the open field.
Vinegar tree propagation rules
To propagate the vinegar tree, it is recommended to use the vegetative method, but in some cases the seed method is also used.
Sumach propagation using root shoots
Over time, many root shoots appear next to an adult specimen of vinegar. Although this property is a problem, it allows easy reproduction. For this, the grown young plant should be separated from the root system of the mother vinegar tree and transplanted to a prepared place. It is important to select the sumach seedling that looks the most developed and dig it up with a well-pointed shovel.
Since the root shoot originates from the root system of the old parent specimen, but also receives nutrients through it, it does not have its own roots. Therefore, when a sumach seedling is being dug, it is recommended to cut it off as deep as possible. After that, the landing is carried out according to the above rules. The adaptation of such seedlings is quite easy and quick.
In the event that a seedling is not planned to be planted immediately or it is moved over long distances, it is important to prepare it for transportation. The existing roots of young sumach should be wrapped in a well-moistened cloth or immersed in damp (but never wet) sawdust. Then, in any case, you need to pack the root system in a plastic bag. Thus, moisture will be provided for a long period and the roots will not have time to dry out. Such storage is possible for seven days.
Sumac propagation using seeds
This method will require special efforts from the gardener. This is because the germination of seed material gradually decreases and after 3-4 years it will be completely lost. Moreover, even with timely sowing, seed germination rates reach only 2%, and even then it is quite rare. Vinegar shoots, even if grown in compliance with all the rules, die off after 15–20 years. If, nevertheless, a decision is made to sow sumach seeds, it is necessary to carry out cold stratification for two months. Seed germination is increased by treating them with high concentration sulfuric acid and subsequent scalding. The duration of the acid treatment should be at least 50 minutes, and then the seeds are immediately placed in boiling water.
After that, sumach seeds can be sown in seedling containers filled with a peat-sand mixture or directly into open ground. In the first case, they are distributed on the surface of the substrate and sprinkled with a layer of the same soil. Top crops are sprayed and covered with plastic wrap. When leaving, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not flood it. Airings are carried out daily for 10-15 minutes. In the second, a hole is dug for vinegar seeds about 15–20 cm deep. The emergence of sprouts can be expected 20–30 days after sowing.
If bones are scattered on the ground next to the mother plant of sumach, but, in spite of their hard shell, over time it decays, and you can see a young vine sprout. It is better not to touch such a seedling and over time it will turn into a full-fledged plant that can be transplanted to the required place.
Read also about the steps for self-propagation of cunningamia
How to deal with pests and diseases when growing sumac?
Due to the fact that all parts of the vinegar tree are filled with a large amount of highly active elements, the plant is rarely attacked by pests, and diseases are rarely disturbed. It can be noted that with an excess of moisture in the soil, sumac can be affected by fungal diseases, among which are powdery mildew and root rot.
If a whitish bloom is noticed on the leaves, they began to fall off, when the time has not yet come, it is recommended to remove all damaged parts of sumac and then treat with fungicidal preparations, such as Fundazol or Bordeaux liquid. After this, the irrigation regime should be adjusted, in which the soil will not become waterlogged, since an adult vinegar tolerates drought easily. In the future, it is only important not to deviate from the above-described rules of agricultural technology.
Read more about diseases and pests when growing Indian lilacs
Facts to note for gardeners about sumac
The vinegar became known among gardeners since 1629, then it was first grown in other countries. If we talk about central Russia, then of the whole variety of species, fluffy sumac or deer-horned sumac (Rhus typhina) is the most popular. Even after winter freezing, shoots are easily restored with the arrival of spring. In the southern regions, such a species as glabrous vinegar (Rhus glabra) grows well. The slopes of the Crimean and Caucasian mountains are sheltered by plantings of tannic sumach (Rhus coriaria), and the species of vinegar (Rhus aromatic), which has a creeping shrub form, is also of interest.
When the fruit-drupes of the vinegar tree ripen, it is customary to make a spice from them that bears the same name as the plant itself - sumac. This spice is widespread in the Asian and Caucasian countries, as well as the Middle East. Since the color of the spice has a ruby or red tint, the meat dishes prepared with its use differ in the same color. Due to the sour taste, this seasoning is often used as a substitute for lemon or used instead of vinegar in marinades. If you add sumac to culinary dishes, then their shelf life is extended.
Vinegar-seasoned dishes should be seasoned with vegetable oil so as not to spoil the color. According to the recommendations of the chefs, the seasoning is added to vegetable salads. Since many spices do not have any pronounced taste at all, sumac is mixed with them, for example, with sesame or thyme, nutmeg or saffron, this also includes thyme and ginger.
With only one specimen of the vinegar tree, it is possible to get up to half a thousand fruits. The collection is carried out after the full maturation of the drupes, then their color is completely preserved. The value of the fruit is precisely in the intensity of the color - the more saturated it is, the better the berries.
Important
If the color of sumach berries began to fade, then their shelf life is coming to an end.
The composition of the fruit contains the following highly active substances:
- a large amount of natural acids (citric and tartaric, malic and ascorbic);
- vitamins and oils, including fatty and volatile;
- minerals including phosphorus and potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium;
- tannin.
Due to such a strong composition, sumac has long been used in folk medicine, serving as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. This drug makes it possible to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, remove harmful substances. Vinegar foliage can be useful for stopping blood from a cut in the skin. Sumach-based products serve to accelerate the healing of not only wounds and cuts, but also burns. Traditional healers prescribed them to patients suffering from diarrhea and paralysis to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism. Such drugs increase the efficiency of the digestive system and increase blood clotting.
Usually sumac (crushed berries) is mixed with water and taken orally for scurvy or swelling. If a person suffers from diseases of the larynx, then it is recommended to take a hot vinegar tincture. To prepare ointments, the basis of which will be vinegar, then its bark and foliage should be dried. Such funds will help to reduce sugar in diabetes and cholesterol in obesity, can act as a diuretic and counteract stroke and fungal diseases.
However, there are a number of contraindications for the use of preparations based on sumach, they are:
- any trimester of pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- increased blood clotting;
- diseases of gastric etymology.
Description of types and varieties of sumach
Reindeer sumac (Rhus typhina)
often synonymous Sumac fluffy or Vinegar tree … The appearance of this representative of the genus is distinguished by the greatest decorativeness, for which it is loved among gardeners. It has a tree-like shape and dimensions, which in natural conditions are within 4-6 meters (and sometimes more), but during garden cultivation they vary from one and a half to 3 m. The crown of a tree is characterized by outlines spreading in width, somewhat similar to a shrub … Openwork is given to it by deciduous mass, which has a feathery shape. At the same time, the plant remains attractive throughout the year, in the spring-autumn months thanks to its spectacular leaves, and in winter the branches adorn the fruits of bright color.
When the deer-horned sumac is young, then its direction of growth is mainly vertical, but gradually the shoots begin to grow on the sides, acquiring more and more spread outlines. An adult specimen is already characterized by a luxurious spreading crown. Therefore, it is required to allocate a considerable area for the plant. The branches have bizarre bends, their contours are clearly visible in winter, when the foliage is gone. Thanks to the shoots, the girth of the crown is successfully compensated.
Over time, sumy sumac becomes more and more attractive. Thick branches can have a light brownish tint. The shoots with their outlines are really somewhat similar to the powerful antlers of deer, for which the species got its name. The leaf plates have an unpaired shape, while the length of each lobe reaches 12 cm. There are 11–31 such lobes in one sheet. The surface of the elongated leaflets is velvety, there is a sharp point at the top, and a serration along the edge. On the reverse side are leaves of sumach of a deer-horned whitish color scheme. The color of the deciduous mass in spring and summer is green, but when autumn comes, it takes on crimson tones, somewhat reminiscent of tongues of flame, clearly standing out among maples and other plants in the garden.
When flowering, pyramidal panicle inflorescences are formed from small flowers, which in the fall, after leaf fall, are transformed into the same form of infructescence. Due to the fact that lush sumach fruits do not attract birds, this decoration remains intact on the branches until spring. This species blooms throughout June-July. The length of the pyramidal inflorescences reaches 20 cm in height. In the inflorescences there is a densely hairy awn, to which the flower stalks are attached to the buds. Because of this, the inflorescences have dense outlines and an openwork appearance. Flowers are dioecious. At the same time, the inflorescence of deer-horned sumach is composed of male (staminate) flowers of a light green shade and female (pistillate) red flowers. When the flowering is completed, then the ovary of fruits, which have the shape of drupes, occurs, the surface of which is covered with red bristles. The drupes are spherical. The fruits remain on the branches until the early spring days.
Deer-horned sumakh is the owner of a number of decorative forms:
- Lanceolate (Laciniata) in contrast to the basic type, it is characterized by leaf lobes with thin lanceolate contours, while the teeth on the edge are deeper;
- Dissecta takes on a tree-like shape, in which the feathery foliage has a bluish-silver tint, and is somewhat similar to fern fronds. The fruit of this variety has a bright, carmine color.
Sumac aromatic (Rhus aromatica)
also called Sumac fragrant. It is represented by a shrub with creeping shoots, which does not exceed one meter in height. But some shoots can reach a length of almost three meters. Despite its spectacular outlines, the plant has a very slow growth rate. Flowering begins only when it crosses the line of growth in five years. Flowers bloom from mid-summer, while forming pyramidal openwork inflorescences. The color of the flowers is pale.
Sumac naked (Rhus glabra)
This species is often mistaken for deer-horned sumac. It has a tree-like compact form of growth, not exceeding 3 m in height. The outline of the crown takes on an umbrella shape. The shoots have a bare surface, brown in color. The leaves have a complex pinnate shape, formed from large leaf lobes with lanceolate contours. The length of the lobes reaches an average of 12 cm. In general, the leaf plate measures 0.5 m in length. The color of the deciduous mass is very beautiful, with the arrival of autumn it changes from greenish to carmine or orange. The jagged edge gives the leaves a spectacular effect.
On one plant of naked sumach, dense panicle inflorescences are usually formed, consisting of female flowers of a red hue, as well as a looser structure of a panicle of male whitish flowers. The length of the inflorescences is almost 20 cm. Flowering usually occurs in June, but the flowers also bloom again in early autumn. When pollination is completed, seedlings are formed from spherical drupes. They will not fall off throughout the winter.
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Video about growing sumac in open ground:
