Overview

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') is a suckering shrubs in the genus Rhus, part of the Anacardiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal and flower borders and beds.

About

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Rhus genus, known for its suckering habit. Like other Rhus species, it features foliage that changes colour in autumn and produces subtle yellow flowers in spring or summer, followed by clusters of small red fruits. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is suitable for a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, coastal areas, and flower borders.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rhus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton')

Propagation
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton')?

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') need?

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') hardy in the UK?

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton') has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame ('Morton')?

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Rhus genus

Browse all Rhus