Jepson (2012) (APG System)

Order

Sapindales

Jepson (1993) (Cronquist System)

Order

Sapindales

Plant Relationships

Native Genera:

Rhus
Toxicodendron

(Sumac)
(Poison oak)

Other Common Genera:

Anacardium
Cotinus
Mangifera
Pistacia
Schinus

(Cashew)
(Smoke tree)
(Mango)
(Pistachio)
(Pepper tree)

Related Families
(Jepson 2012):

Burseraceae
Meliaceae
Rutaceae
Sapindaceae

(Frankincense, myrrh)
(Neem, mahogany)
(Hoptree, citrus)
(Maple, Buckeye, Lychee)

Related Families
(Jepson 1993):

Aceraceae
Burseraceae
Hippocastinaceae
Meliaceae
Rutaceae
Sapindaceae

(Maples)
(Frankincense, myrrh)
(Horse chestnut, buckeye)
(Neem, mahogany)
(Hoptree, citrus)
(Lychee)

Description

Growth Forms:

The members of Anacardiaceae are woody shrubs and trees. The genera found in California (Rhus and Toxicodendron) are woody shrubs, although the Rhus are sometimes considered to be small trees.

Branching:

Alternate branching.

Leaves:

The sumacs (Rhus) have either simple or pinnately compound leaves, depending on the species. It is common for members of Anacardiaceae to have pinnately compound leaves (eg - Toxicodendron, Schinus, Pistacia).
Many members of Anacardiaceae (eg - Rhus, Toxicondendron) produce compounds on their leaves that cause rash.
 

Flowers:

The flowers are in racemes or panicles, often at the tips of branches.

Fruit:

The fruit are berries, often red or white in color.
It is very common for members of Anacardiaceae to produce chemicals that cause rash, illness or death. For example, cashews are an edible seed, but they must first be treated to remove toxic compounds before they are suitable for consumption.
Neem oil, which is extracted from the fruit and seed, is used as a natural remedy and as an ingredient in cosmetics, but it is also used as an organic insecticide.
Some members of Anacardiaceae produce edible fruit, but for safety, be clear in your plant identification, and use extreme caution.

Growing Conditions

Sun and Exposure:

Members of Anacardiaceae prefer full sun. Some can tolerate partial shade (emphasis on tolerate). Some genera, such as Toxicodendron, grow well in full sun on a north or east facing slope.

Soil and Moisture Requirements:

These plants can be drought tolerant, but usually in droughty locations within a fairly forgiving climate and growing region. Few of these plants will grow well in extremely droughty and hot locations without supplemental irrigation.

Horticulture and Restoration

Horticultural Comments:

These are tough plants, and you can place them in some of your harsher locations, but give them at least some supplemental water if you want them to thrive.

Wildlife Habitat:

Restoration Projects:

Toxicodendron is rarely if ever used in restoration projects, although it would probably be a reliable and vigorous plant. It is not used for the obvious reason that it would create rashes and be a potential hazard to workers and visitors.
The Rhus species are from southern California, so are not used in northern California restoration projects. They are often used, however, in native plant landscapes throughout the state.