Rhus microphylla
(Littleleaf Sumac)
Rhus microphylla, Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 0538
Rhus microphylla, Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 0547
Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7790
Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7804
Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7798
Rhus microphylla, Mesa Trail, Caprock Canyons State Park 7826
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 (Cashew) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| 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