Shrub of the Month-October 2009

Tagged as: Chicagoland Grows

Morton Shining Sumac - Prairie Flame^TM
(Rhus copallina var. latifolia ‘Morton')

Behind the Thornhill Shelter east of Parking Lot 21, look for the spectacular fire-engine red foliage of October's Shrub of the Month—Prairie Flame™ shining sumac.

Among some 200 varieties of sumac, this one is hard to beat. It features glossy, dark green leaves in summer and a compact shape that fits into home landscapes much easier than the taller varieties. The white flower spikes that appear in late summer do not set fruit since this is a male clone. Best of all, in the fall the leaves turn a beautiful fire-engine red.

The Morton Arboretum developed this selection, which was introduced via the Chicagoland Grows program.

Mature size: 5 to 6 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet
Rate of growth: Medium

Visit this shrub in all seasons to see its changing features!

Leaf	Fall leaf

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