Among the earliest of fall colors are the bright, orange-red banners of the sumac, which often begin to brighten the landscape by late August (earlier in years of drought). Staghorn and shining sumacs are the most common species in North America, native to southern Canada and most of the eastern and central U.S. Tolerant of dry, rocky soils, these small trees spread by seed and by suckering, often forming dense stands on south-facing slopes. Though considered a weed tree by most foresters, the reddish fruit clusters of these sumacs provide food for many songbirds and small mammals.
Sumacs are easily transplanted and are often used to add diversity to border areas or to naturalize fence lines. Their open, branching form allows gardeners to plant them behind lower shrubs and wildflowers. Of interest, American smoketrees, cashews and pistachios belong to the sumac family.
