Northern Hybrid Sumac (Rhus x pulvinata)

Family: Anacardiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Rhus x pulvinata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course). — The following reports refer to R.; glabra, but they are almost certainly applicable to this species.; Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is small with very little flesh, but it is produced in fairly large panicles and so is easily harvested.

Habitat & North American Range

Usually found in upland sites on rich soils, but it is also found in gravel and sandy nutrient-poor soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)