African Sumac

Plant Type: Evergreen Shade Tree
Plant Height: 20–30 feet
Spread: 20–30 feet
Flower Color: Yellowish-Green (small clusters)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

African Sumac: Reliable Evergreen Shade for Arizona Landscapes

The African Sumac (Rhus lancea) is a rugged, evergreen shade tree prized for its graceful form, fine-textured foliage, and exceptional tolerance to heat, wind, and drought. Native to southern Africa, this adaptable species has become a staple in Arizona landscapes thanks to its reliability, year-round greenery, and minimal maintenance requirements. Its arching branches and soft, willow-like leaves add beauty and movement to both modern and natural desert designs.

Key Features of African Sumac

Evergreen Canopy: Maintains lush, green foliage throughout the year, providing consistent color and shade even during Arizona’s hottest months.

Graceful Form: Features a rounded to umbrella-like canopy with gently weeping branches that create a soft, natural silhouette.

Durable and Low Maintenance: Thrives in poor soils, heat, and wind; once established, it needs minimal water and care.

Fragrant Blooms & Berries: Produces small yellow-green flowers in spring, followed by inconspicuous berries that attract birds.

Multi-Trunk Character: Often grown as a multi-trunk tree for added visual interest and texture in the landscape.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates clay, sandy, or rocky conditions.
• Water: Moderate watering during establishment; very low water needs once mature.
• Fertilizer: Rarely required—optional light feeding in spring can enhance growth.
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter to maintain canopy shape and remove interior clutter; avoid over-thinning.

Landscaping Uses

• Evergreen Shade Tree: Provides year-round shade for patios, lawns, and driveways.
• Windbreak or Privacy Screen: Dense canopy works well for blocking wind and adding privacy.
• Accent Tree: Its elegant form and soft foliage complement desert plants like palo verdes, mesquites, and acacias.
• Commercial and Residential Use: A proven performer for both home and public landscapes due to its toughness.

Summary

The African Sumac is one of the most reliable evergreen shade trees for Arizona landscapes. With its fine-textured foliage, graceful shape, and unmatched drought tolerance, it’s a beautiful and practical choice for homeowners who want lasting greenery and minimal upkeep. Hardy, heat-tolerant, and long-lived, it’s a top-tier tree for desert-friendly designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

African Sumac (Rhus lancea) Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun (6–8+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
Soil: Well-draining; tolerates sandy, rocky, or clay conditions
Spacing: 20–30 feet apart for individual trees or shade groupings
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: Stake for the first 6–12 months if planted in windy areas

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water root ball immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Amount: 10–15 gallons per watering session for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 3–4 months after planting when roots expand outward and new growth appears.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10–14 days; increase to every 7–10 days during extreme heat (over 105°F).
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place emitters 18–24 inches from trunk to encourage outward root development.
• Flow Rate: 2–4 gallons per hour per emitter.
• Number of Emitters: 2–3 for young trees; increase as canopy matures.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering during summer; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for African Sumac

• Soil Check: Water only when the top 4–6 inches of soil are dry.
• Deep Soaking: Water slowly and deeply to encourage strong, stable roots.
• Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of gravel or organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature—keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.