The Prairie Flameleaf Sumac, sometimes referred to as the Texas Sumac, stood out among its green surroundings this morning because of its flagrant patches of red. Rhus lanceolata is a Texas native and is usually found on limestone or neutral soils in OK and NM as well. This perennial is extremely heat and drought tolerant, allowing it to thrive in central Texas. The blooming period for this species is in the summer, which is why its berries have such a bright red color. In the Fall, the l
eaves will begin to turn a vivid red. This deciduous tree can grow up to 30 ft. in height, but is usually found to only reach up to 20 ft. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds and is generally pest- and disease-free. Similar to the Evergreen Sumac, the Prairie Flameleaf Sumac produces berries that can be soaked in water to make a tasty tea that is high in vitamin C.
My iNaturalist link can be found here.
References
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHLA3
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/RHUSLANCEOLATA.HTM