If someone with a black thumb were to ask which tree they should plant in the Palm Springs region, African sumac would be one of our recommendations. African sumac is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to 30-40 feet tall and equally wide. It will naturally grow to a large shrub-like tree.
The canopy of this evergreen is very dense when young, thinning somewhat when more mature. This tree is typically multi-trunked and produces a high number of branches that grow in every direction. There are fissures in the dark gray trunk which reveal an orange mahogany color beneath. The palmately compound leaves form in groups of 3 with leaflets that are 2 to 3 inches long. The leaves are shiny and dark green. The small flowers are whitish-green and give way to yellow or red berrylike fruit that grows in clusters.
The easiest way to identify this tree is through its leaves, which consist of 3 lanceolate leaflets (hence the scientific name Searsia lancea). Younger leaves are light green and turn a deeper color as they mature. Tiny, green-yellow flowers grow in clusters when in bloom. It attracts birds when it produces fruits.
However, keep in mind that it can be messy due to leaf, fruit, and flower drop. We don't recommend planting it near swimming pools. It is very rigorous in the desert and frequently outcompetes other nearby plants. It has an extensive root system that can easily absorb water. It also reseeds and spreads readily. It may require control from spreading too quickly. Do not plant near natural preserves.
Basic Care Guide
To ensure your African Sumac thrives, consider the following:
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- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile.
- Temperature: It can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees for a short period of time and does very well in heat.
- Water: Apply occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
- Sun: Full sun.
African Sumac tree heavy trim
Watering and Leaf Drop
One common issue is leaf drop, often indicated by an incredible number of yellow leaves falling from the tree. This can be alarming, but it's often related to watering practices. While it's tempting to assume more water is better, African Sumacs are drought-tolerant and can suffer from overwatering.
Remember that down in Africa these trees hardly get a drop of water and they are considered weeds down there. Overwatering causes an increase amount of top growth. Many of the leaves down in the canopy of the tree can’t get light and as a result they drop.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing seems to be a bit of a mystery. With that said, we had all our trees deep-root fertilized in February; another company recommended both spring and fall.
Pests and Diseases
African sumac has minimal pests, which include aphids, especially when in bloom. To control aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water. Repeated application is necessary to disrupt their life cycles.
Fragrant Sumac may develop rust. Every year around middle to late summer rust develops on the bushes. Spraying in the latter part of the year might turn them more brown. Consider using a product to prevent this, applying it in the appropriate months.
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Propagation
Obtain seeds from the fruits once they have ripened on the branches. Alternatively, wait for the tree to create seedlings nearby. African sumac readily reseeds itself.
Common Questions and Problems
Here are some common questions and issues encountered by African Sumac owners:
- Mulched leaves from an African Sumac Tree: Be cautious when using African Sumac leaves as mulch, as they may be harmful to some plants. For example, petunias mulched with these leaves have been known to die.
- Sumac Looking Sick: If the leaves on your sumac are not developing, are small, weak, and curled, and pull off easily, there may be an issue. Some brown, sticky, oozing earlier this spring on the trunk and branches. It looks like it needs water, but everything else around it is OK.
- Peeling bark: Peeling bark can be from environmental issues or the natural aging of the tree.
- Growth (leaves) is dying in some of the branches: This might indicate a problem specific to that tree, as other nearby African Sumac trees may be healthy and thriving.
Pricing
Here's a general idea of the cost of an African Sumac tree:
| Container Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 15-gallon | $120 |
| 24-inch box | $250 |
| 36-inch box | $750 |
| 48-inch + box | $2,500 |
Prices are subject to change.
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