Rhus typhina Dissecta

The Rhus typhina 'Dissecta', also known as Virginia cutleaf sumac, is a relatively recent cultivar that was awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) of London in 1993. It is a decorative shrub in all seasons with its beautiful compound foliage with deeply dissected leaflets, resembling some ferns. Green during the growing season, it turns magnificent shades of orange and red in autumn before dropping its leaves. The summer flowers develop into long upright reddish spikes, which remain decorative long after the leaves have fallen. Despite its exotic appearance, this spreading shrub is hardy. It adapts well to almost all growing conditions, in well-drained soil, in sunny or partially shaded positions.

The Virginia cutleaf sumac 'Dissecta' belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is a plant family mainly represented in the Mediterranean region (with pistachio trees and Cotinus) and in tropical regions (with mango trees). The Virginia cutleaf sumac (or amaranth sumac, or vinegar tree) is native to the eastern United States, where it grows from Georgia to Canada. Therefore, it is not afraid of cold weather. This species was introduced to Europe very early, at the beginning of the 17th century, for its great ornamental qualities. However, it has proven to be quite invasive, as the plants tend to sucker and cover the available surface around them. It is therefore preferable to avoid the species and choose a less suckering variety like 'Dissecta'.

Although the Virginia cutleaf sumac 'Dissecta' does produce suckers every year, they can simply be cut to prevent its spread. This shrub has a fast growth and reaches a mature height of 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) with a width of 3 m. It has a rounded habit with sparsely branched branches. Its deciduous foliage is enchanting: its large pinnate leaves, 30 to 50 cm (11.8 to 19.7 in) long, are deeply incised into leaflets. They are green during the growing season and turn beautiful autumnal colours, including orange, red, and even purple. The flowering occurs in the form of dense conical panicles that are greenish and terminal, measuring 16 to 25 cm (6.3 to 9.8 in) in length. It takes place in June-July. This shrub is attractive to bees, and the female trees bear intensely red drupes in wine-red clusters, measuring 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. The stems, covered with reddish-brown velvet, are sparsely branched, giving this small tree a graphic and original appearance in winter. This sumac can be planted in any well-drained soil, even limestone or poor, rocky, dry, or moist soil. It thrives in partial shade or full sun, but it is commonly accepted that the autumnal colours will be more intense with a sunny position, as the shrub needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This shrub is not very susceptible to insects or diseases, highly frost-resistant (-25°C), drought-tolerant once established, and tolerant of pollution or sea spray.

The Virginia cutleaf sumac 'Dissecta' provides light shade and can shelter a perennial plant bed with daylilies, brunneras, and can be associated with squills, snowdrops, and daffodils for spring, or cyclamen for autumn. In a small garden, it will be well highlighted if planted as a solitary specimen, providing a changing spectacle on its own. It will also be very interesting in a mixed border with other exotic-looking plants, such as Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex' with its huge leaves (to be planted with a rhizome barrier).

The branches of Rhus typhina contain a toxic milky sap. It is used in homeopathy but can cause asthma and allergies. The fruits can be soaked in water to obtain a refreshing and tangy drink (hence its common name of vinegar tree). Birds are fond of its fruits.