Shrubs of the Flatwoods

There are a large number of shrubs growing in the understory of the Sanctuary. In this area, you will see a lot of Winged Sumac (Rhus copallinum) and Rusty Lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea). Both commonly grow about 10 feet tall or more.

Winged Sumacs are common in disturbed areas, such as after a fire. Individual plants are either male or female, so their flowers may look a little different from each other. They are named for the little green "fins" that grow along the stems in between the leaves.

Rusty Lyonia, also known as Rusty Staggerbush, is a common plant in sandy ecosystems. It is named for the rust-colored hairs that occur all over the plant, most visibly on the backs of the newest leaves.