Tiger Eyes

To carry through on yesterday’s theme, here is an impressive shrub from the nut family. A member of the Anacardiaceae (cashew or sumac) family, the Staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, is a native plant growing throughout New England. I mentioned sumacs in a previous blog as a versatile plant that offers spectacular fall color.

One particular variety worth mentioning is Tiger Eyes Sumac, a 2004 release from Bailey Nurseries. This sumac is a mutation of ‘Laciniata’. It does not grow much taller or wider than 6-8 feet, showing off color like no other shrub in the garden. It can tolerate some shade but it does best in a hot, sunny well-drained location. (Photo of Tiger Eyes Sumac - Greg Bilowz)

Savor the moments of fall; the air, the light, and especially the colors. For the rest of the week, a plant or shrub with dynamite foliage will be featured. In the spirit of the fall foliage season, the inspirational gardening thought of the day is by John Burroughs. “How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”