Definition

Noun: * A common nonpoisonous shrub of eastern North America: Rhus copallina is a species of flowering plant in the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). It is characterized by its compound leaves, greenish flowers arranged in panicles, and clusters of red berries. It is also known by the common names shining sumac, dwarf sumac, and flameleaf sumac.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field guide identified the shrub with the vibrant red autumn foliage as Rhus copallina.
  • Unlike poison sumac, Rhus copallina is a harmless plant commonly found along roadsides.
  • Birds are attracted to the red berries of Rhus copallina during the winter months.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or ecological contexts: The name is used precisely to distinguish this species from other, sometimes poisonous, members of the genus.
  • The study focused on the drought tolerance of Rhus copallina compared to Rhus glabra.

Variants and Related Words

• Shining sumac: The most frequent common name, referring to the glossy appearance of its leaves.
• Dwarf sumac: A common name highlighting its typically smaller, shrubby growth form compared to some tree-sized sumacs.
• Flameleaf sumac: A common name emphasizing its brilliant red fall color.
• Winged sumac: Refers to the distinctive winged rachis (the central stem of the compound leaf).

Synonyms

• Shining sumac
• Dwarf sumac
• Flameleaf sumac
• Winged sumac

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Sumac: The general common name for plants in the genus .
• Anacardiaceae: The plant family to which it belongs, which also includes cashews, mangoes, and pistachios.
• Compound leaf: A leaf divided into multiple leaflets, a key identifying feature.
• Panicle: A loose, branching cluster of flowers, which is the inflorescence type for this plant.

Noun

1. common nonpoisonous shrub of eastern North America with compound leaves and green paniculate flowers followed by red berries