The Littleleaf Sumac

The Ocotillo is one of our desert succulents offering a bold, vertical element to landscape designs. While it is classified as a succulent, for the most part it is a class of its own. The Ocotillo, unlike many other succulent species, accepts water well, especially during the hot month. Avoid buying bare root plants, as their survival rate is very low.The Beargrass, Nolina microcarpa, is native to the Tucson area, found in the foothills of both the Santa Catalina and Santa Rita Mountains, among other locations. This is not really a grass, rather it is a succulent mimicking the look of a grass. Unlike landscape grasses, Beargrass will not reseed itself and become a nuisance.View the list »
The Velvet Mesquite is considered a desert native, even though it moved up here 100 years ago from Mexico. Because of overgrazing, the mesquite took hold in our desert grasslands. In this case, the arrival of the mesquite is not necessarily a bad thing, as it provides wonderful shade for us and shelter and food for wildlife.

Gardening newsletter

Littleleaf Sumac, Rhus microphylla, is a native shrub to Arizona, found in elevations varying from 2000 feet up to 6000 feet. For Tucson area landscaping, the Littleleaf Sumac makes a good wildlife plant, as the bright red berries appearing in late summer are relished by birds. This plant also provides good cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

Related topics

Advertisement

This slow-growing, deciduous shrub eventually reaches about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The arching branches have an attractive form, and the lacy, compound leaves turn red to orange in the fall.

The Littleleaf Sumac can take full sun or part shade. Since in its native habitat it is found up to 6000 feet, it probably will need extra water when planted in full sun.

Use the Littleleaf Sumac along with other desert natives, such as the Velvet Mesquite and Beargrass. Adding an Ocotillo would add a bold texture to the grouping.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • The Velvet Mesquite is considered a desert native, even though it moved up here 100 years ago from Mexico. Because of overgrazing, the mesquite took hold in our desert grasslands. In this case, the arrival of the mesquite is not necessarily a bad thing, as it provides wonderful shade for us and shelter and food for wildlife.
  • The Beargrass, Nolina microcarpa, is native to the Tucson area, found in the foothills of both the Santa Catalina and Santa Rita Mountains, among other locations. This is not really a grass, rather it is a succulent mimicking the look of a grass. Unlike landscape grasses, Beargrass will not reseed itself and become a nuisance.
  • The Ocotillo is one of our desert succulents offering a bold, vertical element to landscape designs. While it is classified as a succulent, for the most part it is a class of its own. The Ocotillo, unlike many other succulent species, accepts water well, especially during the hot month. Avoid buying bare root plants, as their survival rate is very low.
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...