VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Rhus microphylla | Littleleaf Sumac 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Littleleaf sumac is eaten by cattle, sheep, and goats [1,17] but is
considered poor quality livestock browse [38].  Mule deer and pronghorn
browse littleleaf sumac leaves in Texas and New Mexico [8,9,38].
Various birds and small mammals eat the fruit [13,31].


PALATABILITY : 
Littleleaf sumac palatability is considered low [13], although the
leaves are eaten to some extent by deer, pronghorn, and livestock
[1,9,17,31].  Ground squirrels, chipmunks, quail, and various other
birds and rodents eat the fruit [11,38].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Littleleaf sumac contains approximately 15 percent protein [17].
Considerable weight loss occurred when captive kangaroo rats were given
a restricted diet of littleleaf sumac seeds [11].


COVER VALUE : 
Bottomland habitat containing littleleaf sumac had higher densities of
white-tailed deer than other community types in the Rolling Plains of
Texas [12].  Littleaf sumac was used for cover in both undisturbed and
chained areas, although more deer were seen in undisturbed areas.


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Littleleaf sumac has some potential for use in soil stabilization
projects [37].  In New Mexico it increased in cover in the absence of
grazing, effectively reducing gully erosion [18].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
The fruit of littleleaf sumac is edible but has a sour taste [38].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Littleleaf sumac is killed by tebuthiuron, 2,4-D, and 2,4,5-T [15].

Related categories for Species: Rhus microphylla | Littleleaf Sumac