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Brundage, Stephanie Brundage, Stephanie

Rhus glabra

Rhus glabra L.

Smooth Sumac

Synonym(s): Rhus borealis, Rhus calophylla, Rhus glabra var. cismontana, Rhus glabra var. laciniata, Rhus glabra var. occidentalis

USDA Symbol: RHGL

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The colony-forming smooth sumac is a 10-20 ft. shrub with short, crooked, leaning trunks and picturesque branches. The pinnately compound leaves are alternate, with 13-30 sharp-toothed leaflets on each side of the midrib. Deciduous leaves become extremely colorful in early fall. On female plants, yellow-green flowers are followed by bright-red, hairy berries in erect, pyramidal clusters which persist throughout winter.

The only shrub or tree species native to all 48 contiguous states.

Plant Characteristics Duration: Perennial

Habit: Shrub

Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate

Leaf Complexity: Pinnate

Leaf Shape: Lanceolate

Leaf Venation: Pinnate

Leaf Margin: Serrate

Breeding System: Flowers Dioecious

Size Notes:

Leaf: Green

Autumn Foliage: yes

Fruit: Red, Brown 1/8 inch

Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Flowers Unisexual Shrub or small tree to 10 feet.GreenyesRed, Brown 1/8 inch6-12 ft.

Bloom Information Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Green , Brown

Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug



Distribution USA: AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY

Canada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK

Native Distribution: Across most of Canada except the far north and almost all of the US, south into Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico

Native Habitat: Roadsides; fields; wood borders; waste places

Across most of Canada except the far north and almost all of the US, south into Tamaulipas in northeastern MexicoRoadsides; fields; wood borders; waste places

Growing Conditions Water Use: Low

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade

Soil Moisture: Dry

Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)

CaCO3 Tolerance: Low

Cold Tolerant: yes

Soil Description: Most dry soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type

Conditions Comments: This is the dominant sumac of blackland prairies. Plants of Rocky Mountain origin are usually separated into the variety cismontana. This dwarf variety is becoming popular in cultivation.

LowSun , Part Shade , ShadeDryCircumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)LowyesMost dry soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche typeThis is the dominant sumac of blackland prairies. Plants of Rocky Mountain origin are usually separated into the variety cismontana. This dwarf variety is becoming popular in cultivation. In a planned landscape, the species is most effective when drifts or colonies, typical of natural settings, are allowed to establish. Colonies can be rejuvenated every few years by cutting them to the ground in mid-winter. Sumacs will grow in dry waste areas, such as impossible slopes where even junipers struggle. They are fast growing, generally pest and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Colonies are often single-sexed, formed from a single, suckering parent. Only female plants produce flowers and berries.

Benefit Use Ornamental: The seeds remain firmly attached for a long time without noticeable deterioration and are often used in large decorative arrangements.

Use Wildlife: Consumed by birds of many kinds and small mammals, mainly in winter. Deer browse the twigs and

Use Food: Raw young sprouts were eaten by the Indians as salad. The sour

Use Medicinal: Boiled

Use Other: Roots make yellow dye. Mixed with tobacco to smoke. (Kindscher)

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Attracts: Birds , Butterflies

Larval Host: Hairstreak butterfly

The seeds remain firmly attached for a long time without noticeable deterioration and are often used in large decorative arrangements.Consumed by birds of many kinds and small mammals, mainly in winter. Deer browse the twigs and fruit throughout the year.Raw young sprouts were eaten by the Indians as salad. The sour fruit, mostly seed, can be chewed to quench thirst or prepared as a drink similar to lemonade.Boiled fruit as a remedy for pianful menstruation and blood diarrhea. Diuretic. Roots and berries steeped to make wash for sores. Internal as a tea and externally as a wash for female complaints. (Kindscher)Roots make yellow dye. Mixed with tobacco to smoke. (Kindscher)yesBirds , ButterfliesHairstreak butterfly

Propagation Propagation Material: Seeds

Description: Plant scarified and stratified seed 1/3-3/4 in. deep. Sumac is most commonly propagated by early winter root division. Place root cuttings in flats of moist sand.

Seed Treatment: Acid scarify one to three hours, then stratify immediately for 30 days at 41 degrees.

Commercially Avail: yes



Find Seed or Plants Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network. View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

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