Rhus sylvestris
Rhus sylvestrisfam. Anacardiaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 754E — Rhus sylvestris
Rhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestrisRhus sylvestris
IOverview
Overview
Rhus sylvestris, commonly known as Chinese sumac or Taiwan sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China's south-central and southeastern regions, Japan, Korea, the Nansei-shoto islands, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruits, which are often used in traditional cuisine. One distinctive feature of Rhus sylvestris is its ability to tolerate a variety of soil types, making it adaptable in different environments.
Quick answers
What is Rhus sylvestris?
Rhus sylvestris, commonly known as Chinese sumac or Taiwan sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China's south-central and southeastern regions, Japan, Korea, the Nansei-shoto islands, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rhus sylvestris thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 10 meters and is native to regions including China South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, and Taiwan. While the plant's hardiness isn't specified, it generally performs well in temperate climates. For propagation, Rhus sylvestris can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rhus sylvestris for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Rhus sylvestris in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Rhus sylvestris plant, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in early spring or fall, digging a hole twice the size of the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeLacquerMordantoilWax
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Anacardiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Anacardiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 754e1a58-d113-4798-8374-68437cd84918
Decision aid
Choosing between Rhus sylvestris and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.