Rhus x pulvinata
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −45.6 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a wide range of soils, from dry to moist, acidic or alkaline, including shallow chalk soils. A very hardy plant, when fully dormant it can tolerate temperatures down to at least -25°c. However, the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A naturally occurring hybrid, R. glabra x R. typhina. A very ornamental and variable plant, there are some named varieties. A good bee plant[K]. Single-stem plants are short-lived in cultivation, but if the plants are coppiced regularly and allowed to form thickets, then they will live longer and also be more ornamental with larger leaves. Plants have brittle branches and these can be broken off in strong winds. Many of the species in this genus are highly toxic and can also cause severe irritation to the skin of some people, whilst other species such as this one are not poisonous. It is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in hot water (starting at a temperature of 80 - 90c and allowing it to cool) prior to sowing in order to leach out any germination inhibitors. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid species and will not breed true from seed[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage. Suckers in late autumn to winter.
Edible uses
The following reports refer to R. glabra, but they are almost certainly applicable to this species[K]. Fruit - raw or cooked. The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent. Root - peeled and eaten raw. Young shoots - peeled and eaten raw.
Medicinal uses
The following reports refer to R. glabra, but they are almost certainly applicable to this species[K]. Smooth sumach was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is occasionally used in modern herbalism where it is valued for its astringent and antiseptic qualities. Some caution should be employed in the use of this species since it can possibly cause skin irritations. It is best only used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. A tea made from the bark or root bark is alterative, antiseptic, astringent, galactogogue, haemostatic, rubefacient and tonic. A tea made from the roots is appetizer, astringent, diuretic and emetic. An infusion of the green or dried branches has been used in the treatment of TB. The milky latex from the plant has been used as a salve on sores. A tea made from the leaves was used in the treatment of asthma, diarrhoea and stomatosis. The berries are diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and refrigerant. The blossoms have been chewed as a treatment for sore mouths.
Material uses
The following reports refer to R. glabra, but they are almost certainly applicable to this species[K]. The leaves are rich in tannin, containing about 10 - 25%. A black dye is obtained from the fruit. An orange or yellow dye is obtained from the root. An oil is extracted from the seeds. The plant has an extensive root system and is fairly wind tolerant, though branches can be broken off in very strong winds. It is planted for soil stabilization and as a shelter screen. Wood - soft, light, brittle.
Habitat
Usually found in upland sites on rich soils, but it is also found in gravel and sandy nutrient-poor soils.
Native range
Eastern N. America.