Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) Rhus coriaria
Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) (Rhus coriaria) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Anacardiaceae family, native to Mediterranean to Iran. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) in your garden →
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Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: dried fruit (the sour red spice) |
| Native to | Mediterranean to Iran |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap
Cashew family: sap can irritate sensitive skin. Unrelated to poison sumac (Toxicodendron).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sicilian sumac (spice sumac)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Sicilian sumac (spice sumac)
- How far apart should I plant Sicilian sumac (spice sumac)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Sicilian sumac (spice sumac)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Cashew family: sap can irritate sensitive skin. Unrelated to poison sumac (Toxicodendron).
- What grows well with Sicilian sumac (spice sumac)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sicilian sumac (spice sumac). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- The spice in za’atar mixes and on kebabs; dense red fruit clusters, red autumn leaves.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Mango (dwarf) Mangifera indica
- Peruvian pepper tree Schinus molle
- Smoke tree Cotinus coggygria
- Mastic tree (lentisk) Pistacia lentiscus
- Pistachio Pistacia vera
- Cashew Anacardium occidentale
- Ambarella (June plum) Spondias dulcis
- Jocote (red mombin, ciruela) Spondias purpurea