The vinegar tree Rhus typhina is now known to be a problem plant because it spreads uncontrollably. But not every variety has a high tendency to spread. There are varieties that grow slowly and produce fewer root shoots.
Which vinegar tree varieties spread less?
There are three varieties of vinegar tree with a lower tendency to spread: Rhus typhina 'Dissecta' (fern frond vinegar tree), Rhus typhina 'Laciniata' (scarlet vinegar tree) and Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes'. They grow slower, form fewer root shoots and have impressive autumn colors.
These varieties are available:
- Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’
- Rhus typhina ‘Laciniata’
- Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’
Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’
It is not without reason that this cultivated form is called the fern frond vinegar tree, because the leaves of the shrub are more reminiscent of a fern than a tree. This variety reaches heights of up to 150 centimeters and blooms from June to August. 'Dissecta' means dissected, which refers to the heavily cut leaves. Therefore this variety is also known as the slotted vinegar tree.
It prefers a location in the sun and requires little care. A cut results in an unsightly appearance. Avoid working on the ground around the bush. The roots of all vinegar tree varieties creep shallowly into the upper layers of the soil.'Dissecta' has a high tendency to spread, so that the root system penetrates the soil up to ten meters away from the mother plant.
Rhus typhina ‘Laciniata’
It is one of the weak-growing varieties whose ability to spread is somewhat limited. The typical leaflets turn intense red in autumn and their luminosity exceeds the autumn color of the other two varieties. The fruit clusters shine in a scarlet red and form a contrast to the green leaves. This characteristic gave the variety the name Scarlet Vinegar Tree. 'Laciniata' has additional bracts in the inflorescence that appear heavily slit.
Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’
This variety owes its name to the constantly changing color of the foliage, which is as varied as the tiger's eye. Over the course of the year, the leaves change color from green-yellow to an intense golden-yellow to yellow-orange. Shortly before the leaves fall, the leaves glow fire red.
The narrow leaflets with their roughly sawn edge are reminiscent of the stripes on a tiger's skin. This variety grows slowly and produces comparatively few root runners. It reaches a height of two meters and thrives in both sun and partial shade. As a winter-hardy shrub, it can survive temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.
