The vinegar tree is a widespread ornamental tree that was not originally widespread in Europe. Its biology contains interesting details, but the tree does not have a good reputation from a conservation perspective.
What are the characteristics of a vinegar tree?
The vinegar tree (Rhus typhina) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that originally comes from North America. It can grow 3 to 12 meters high, has pinnate leaves and produces female and male flowers. Vinegar trees are known for their attractive fall color, but are considered invasive neophytes.
Systematics and origin
The vinegar tree has the Latin name Rhus typhina. It belongs to the genus Rhus, which contains between 150 and 250 species. Another name for the vinegar tree is deer butt sumac. It grows as a multi-stemmed shrub that sheds its leaves in winter. The original distribution area is in northern America, where the vinegar tree prefers to grow on stony and sandy surfaces in open landscapes.
Special features:
- young branches with blue frost and dense velvety hair
- Age: 60 to 70 years
- rarely grows as a single-trunk tree
Biology
Vinegar trees are unisexual and dioecious. They develop male and female flowers that bloom at different times on an individual. This prevents self-pollination. Insects are responsible for fertilizing the female flowers. After the flowering period, which extends from June to July, fruit clusters develop from the female flowers. It is typical that fruits are formed even after fertilization has not occurred.
Leaf features:
- leaves pinnate
- alternately arranged
- pinnate leaves with serrated edge
Root growth
The bushes grow between three and seven meters high, and up to twelve meters high under optimal site conditions. As shallow-rooted shrubs, they develop a creeping root system close to the surface of the earth. The expansion of the roots is extensive. It is not uncommon for them to grow up to ten meters away from the mother plant. They have a strong tendency to develop shoots. These root shoots appear more often when the trunks and roots have been damaged.
Conservation status and ornamental value
The ornamental value of these trees is high because of the attractive autumn colors. However, when planting it, you should note that the vinegar tree is not a native species. If it grows uncontrollably, it displaces the native flora. Its intensive desire to spread earned the vinegar tree the status of an invasive neophyte. While there are no legal regulations regarding use as an ornamental tree in Germany, planting the shrubs is now prohibited in Switzerland. You should take appropriate measures to protect other plant species in your garden. Root barriers or cultivation in a bucket (€79.00 at Amazon) are effective methods.
