Both equally hardy and tolerant of poor soil conditions. Both considered drought tolerant once fully established. The elderberry ('Sutherland's Gold) gets big (10-12') and has no fall color to speak of. The sumac is a dwarf and gets rather good fall color.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold' is another possible choice.

Thanks for the suggestion of ninebark, gardengal. I have a Summer Wine that's doing well, so Dart's Gold should be ok, too. I really like the cut leaves of Tiger Eye and Sutherland Gold, but the bark on ninebark would look great in the winter. (With the long, long winters we have here, winter interest is really a plus).

with suckering plants ... keep in mind.. that today you might be able to beat them back with a stick.. but there may come a time in your life.. when you cant ... and then a few years later .... they are taking over the yard ...

in other words .... you already know the plant is a potential problem .. so dont come back in a few years complaining ...

been there.. done that.. lol

good luck

ken

I have had sumac and never will again ... this suckering plant should be avoided if possible.

The 'Bailtiger' sumac is the most compact in habit. The other two throw out long cane-like growths.

I have both. I love Bailtiger during the season much better but be aware that as soon as the cold weather hits the leaves look shabby & drop. As I have regular sumac as well I was surprised at how little this shrub tolerates cold (it is hardy, just drops its leaves early). And yes it suckers! I have room so no big deal. I have two Sutherland Gold and am not thrilled. Two years in a row I have had bug problems on the leaves and it is a RAPID grower so make sure you have the height space. To keep mine looking nice and not straggly I have to trim it regularly. And it is in afternoon shade so too much sun does not seem to be the issue.

Sharon

Yellow-leaved variants often more sensitive to weather conditions (especially hot sun) than normal green versions, maybe that is why 'Bailtiger' drops quickly there.

Hoyess, how big is your Bailtiger? I know it's a dwarf, and wonder if it would be too short for the space I plan to put it in.

Sumac can be such a pain in the butt to oontrol, I can't believe people plant it. I have seen tiger eyes,newly planted, and it is pretty. There is no way I would use this plant if it shows the same characteristics as the genus. That is a tough one to control even with herbicides.

Well, sumac is fine for people with big spaces and it is an excellent plant for wildlife.

My two year old Bailtiger, after two full growing seasons, was about 3 1/2 feet high. It spread quite a bit so I'd say it's going to stay a low grower.