André Michaux’s Sumac-Rhus michauxii Sargent: Why Did Sargent Rename It and Where Did Michaux Find It?

Author:

Lawrence S. Barden

Additional Authors:

James F. Matthews

Published:

June – 2004

Keywords:

Rhus michauxii, André Michaux, Sumac, Sargent

ABSTRACT
In 1794 André Michaux discovered dwarf sumac Rhus michauxii in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and in 1803 published a species description under the name Rhus pumila. In 1895 C.S. Sargent assigned the name R. michauxii to correct Michaux’s use of a homonym and to honor its discoverer. The type location is now in Union County, North Carolina, which was formed from part of Mecklenburg County in 1842.