Texas
Wildbuds

Rhus microphylla

(Littleleaf Sumac)

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Rhus microphylla, Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 0538

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Rhus microphylla, Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 0547

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Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7790

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Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7804

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Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7798

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Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7826

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Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7827

Scientific Name Rhus microphylla USDA PLANTS Symbol RHMI3
Common Name Littleleaf Sumac, Desert Sumac ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 28788
Family Anacardiaceae (Sumac) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Dry uplands, scrub, rocky river banks and mesas of the desert plains from 2000 to 6000 feet elev.
Plant: Densely branched shrub up to 6 feet tall, old bark dark gray; branches gray, stiff.
Leaves: Odd pinnately-compound deciduous leaves, 1 to 2 inches long, each with 5 to 9 very small, hairy, elliptic leaflets about 1/3-inch long; winged rachis (the small stem between the leaflets).
Inflorescence: Small, dense clusters at branch ends and from axils, about 2 to 3 inches across with many flowers. each flower less than 1/2-inch across with 5 cream-colored petals with hairy edges, dark reddish centers and green-tinged phyllaries.
Bloom Period: Spring.
Fruit: Ovoid-shape, about 1/4-inch diameter, red-orange to brown; hairy.
Reference: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, SEINet, Virginia Tech University and Texas A&M University.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Native

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2024