Michaux's Sumac

Found in open fields and open woods in loose sandy or rocky soils.
Does not grow well in areas shaded by taller plants.
Currently found along the Coastal Plain and lower piedmont of North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.
Only 26 populations exist in the world, 8 are found on Fort Liberty and Camp Mackall.

Latin name Rhus michauxii
A member of the cashew family and a non-poisonous relative of poison ivy.
A short, woody shrub with small greenish-yellow to white flowers. Flowers are densely clustered at the top of the stem.
Flowers in bloom in June and then develop into red fruits.
Each leaf has 9-13 leaflets on a red leaf stem.
Entire plant is densely covered with tiny hairs.
Grows 1-3 feet tall.

Endangered Species Branch

Phone:
(910) 396-2544

Location:

0-9125 McKellars Road

Fort Liberty, NC 28310

Hours of Operation:

800-430 pm M-F

The most serious threat is habitat loss from commercial development like homes, farms, and factories.
Other threats include poor reproductive success and lack of fire. Fire naturally removes plants that compete for light, water, and nutrients. Endangered plant sites on Fort Liberty are burned during the growing season (Apr-Oct) every 3 years or less to keep plants healthy.
Fort Liberty prohibits any activity within endangered plant sites. These sites are marked with signs.