African Sumac
Searsia lancea
Formerly Rhus lancea · also Rhus viminalis
Also known as Karree, Karee, Karee Tree
Climate Match for your location
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African Sumac is a drought-tolerant, spreading evergreen tree native to southern Africa, featuring fine, feathery trifoliate foliage and clusters of small reddish drupes that persist through winter. It thrives in arid climates and is valued for its ornamental form, wildlife habitat, and ability to withstand poor soil conditions.
Why grow it
African Sumac offers reliable drought performance in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental trees struggle, with lower water and maintenance demands than comparable deciduous species. Its persistent winter fruit and fine foliage provide visual interest and wildlife food when other landscape plants are dormant, making it useful for winter structure in dry-climate gardens. Compared to native alternatives in temperate zones, it requires warmer conditions but tolerates poor soils, compaction, and heat reflection better than most woody ornamentals.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from establishment irrigation and may take several seasons to develop full drought tolerance, so newly planted specimens should not immediately be treated as permanently water-independent. The spreading growth habit requires adequate space and regular pruning if a compact form is desired, as unpruned trees can become leggy or develop competing leaders.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native Range
Southern Africa
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
African Sumac is a drought-tolerant, spreading evergreen tree native to southern Africa, featuring fine, feathery trifoliate foliage and clusters of small reddish drupes that persist through winter. It thrives in arid climates and is valued for its ornamental form, wildlife habitat, and ability to withstand poor soil conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well African Sumac grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
African Sumac offers reliable drought performance in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental trees struggle, with lower water and maintenance demands than comparable deciduous species. Its persistent winter fruit and fine foliage provide visual interest and wildlife food when other landscape plants are dormant, making it useful for winter structure in dry-climate gardens. Compared to native alternatives in temperate zones, it requires warmer conditions but tolerates poor soils, compaction, and heat reflection better than most woody ornamentals.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from establishment irrigation and may take several seasons to develop full drought tolerance, so newly planted specimens should not immediately be treated as permanently water-independent. The spreading growth habit requires adequate space and regular pruning if a compact form is desired, as unpruned trees can become leggy or develop competing leaders.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native Range
Southern Africa
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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