Virginian sumac
- noun
- /vərˈdʒɪnɪən ˈsuːmæk/
- US
:
sumaque de Virginia
- The Virginian sumac is known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall.
Examples
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Gardeners often plant Virginian sumac for its ornamental value and hardiness.
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Birds are attracted to the bright berries of the Virginian sumac during winter.
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The Virginian sumac thrives in sunny areas.
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Wow! The Virginian sumac looks stunning in fall!
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Birds are attracted to the bright berries of the Virginian sumac during winter.
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Gardeners often plant Virginian sumac for its ornamental value and hardiness.
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The Virginian sumac is known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall.
Synonyms
A small tree or large bush with bright red leaves and sour red berries in autumn
A small tree or shrub that loses leaves in autumn and has bright red leaves and red berries
A North American shrub or small tree with groups of bright red berries
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase straightforwardly combines 'Virginian' (from Virginia) with 'sumac' (a shrub), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a type or variety of sumac associated with Virginia. This place-name + noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so the basic referential meaning (a kind of shrub) is immediately transparent even if detailed botanical features are not.
Etymology
Virginian sumac gets its name from the place Virginia, where the shrub was common, plus sumac, the name for shrubs known for red berries and bright fall leaves. So Virginian sumac refers to a shrubby tree famous for its bright red autumn foliage and tart red berries.
