Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)

Smooth sumac

Also known as: Upland sumac, Vinegar-tree

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.

Scientific classification

Species

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

3 m to 5 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Smooth sumac

Attributes of Smooth sumac

Growth Rate

Smooth sumac exhibits a moderate growth rate in spring and summer, reflecting steady development. This pace fosters its characteristic dense growth, leading to substantial foliage proliferation and robust height increase. Variations in smooth sumac's growth speed become less fluctuating amid these seasons, contributing to its horticultural appeal and vigor.

Distribution of Smooth sumac

Distribution Map

Smooth sumac is a prairie plant native to North America. It does not grow anywhere else as an introduced species and is sometimes grown ornamentally in its native range despite its weedy, aggressive growth.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets, waste ground, by streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

One of the showiest native shrubs or small trees of North America, smooth sumac is known for its compact size, attractive branching and canopy shapes. However, the most decorative are the bright orange and crimson red autumn leaves and red, cone-shaped fruit clusters produced by female trees that last through most of the winter, even when the tree has lost its leaves. It is usually planted as a specimen tree. Note that it produces suckers that tend to form thickets. Its spreading habit needs to be controlled in a garden setting, making it unsuitable for shrub borders, but a great choice for soil stabilization.

Symbolism

Love, compassion, energy to complete one's endeavors

Interesting Facts

Throughout the United States, there is only one shrub or tree species that is native to all 48 of the contiguous states, and that is the smooth sumac. Plants are dioecious and require a group of three to five plants for a bumper crop of fruit. Male flowers produce pollen and attract a variety of bees and other pollinators, while female flowers only offer nectar.

Name Story

Smooth sumac: This plant is one of the most recognizable shrubs throughout the year. It has highly dense panicles in spring and turns into edible dark berries during winter. As its branches are smooth and hairless and its bark is smooth as well, it is called smooth sumac.

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Toxicity

Smooth sumac is generally non-toxic, but may cause allergic reactions in people with cashew allergies. Reactions include itchy skin, swollen throat, and difficulty breathing. Cashew allergies determine an individual's reaction severity; otherwise, smooth sumac is harmless to most people.

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Quickly Identify Smooth sumac

Compound leaves with red fall color, 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) long, composed of 11-31 leaflets.

Hairless stem with whitish waxy coating, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) thick, branching extensively.

Dioecious plant with separate male and female flowers; female plants bear vivid red, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) flowers.

Small red berries in dense clusters, only on female plants, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in diameter.

Distinct bark: young smooth trunk, older warty texture; major branches with slight ridges, brownish-gray to reddish-brown.

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Care Guide for Smooth sumac

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Smooth sumac is moderately drought-tolerant, thriving in its native variable moisture conditions. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly. Ideal for outdoor growth and xeriscaping, it can withstand low rainfall while maintaining vigor during the growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilize smooth sumac with balanced fertilizer in early spring for growth, applying high-nitrogen types for foliage. Biannual application is typically enough; follow product instructions. Reduce fertilization as smooth sumac matures, and withhold in autumn. Always water thoroughly post-fertilization to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Recognizable by smooth bark and reddish stems, smooth sumac benefits from early spring pruning. Techniques include removing dead wood, thinning branches for air circulation, and pruning older stems to promote new growth. Regular pruning enhances health, maintains shape, and encourages a bushier appearance.

Propagation: Smooth sumac, from the Anacardiaceae family, can be easily propagated via cuttings. Select a healthy stem, cut 4-6 inches below a node, and remove lower leaves. Use rooting hormone, place in a well-drained medium, and mist regularly for humidity. Roots may take several weeks to develop.

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