Species smooth sumac
yellow flowers with green leaves and brown-green stems

smooth sumac

Rhus glabra

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a native perennial shrub found throughout North America. It can grow up to 10 feet in height and has compound leaves with a smooth texture. Smooth sumac produces panicles of bright red berries that attract birds and other wildlife. It is drought and disease tolerant, and can thrive in dry areas. In the wild, Smooth sumac can form dense thickets which provide habitat for a variety of species. The plant can be used as an ornamental addition to gardens and can be easily propagated by taking cuttings or by planting the berries.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a drought-tolerant shrub that requires very little water once it is established. During its first growing season, it should be watered thoroughly and deeply once a week. After its first season, it can be watered every 2 weeks to a month, depending on the local weather conditions and soil moisture. During periods of hot, dry weather, smooth sumac may need additional watering once a month.

sunlight

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) prefers 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight each day. This plant is adaptable to various types of sunlight. It can also tolerate light shade, but it will flower better when grown in areas that receive extended periods of direct sun. If growing indoors, place the plant in a bright spot that receives at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.

pruning

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new foliage emerges. Prune back 1-third to 1-half of the previous season's growth to keep these plants small and tidy. Remove branches that are rubbing against 1 another and any damaged or crossed branches. Make sure to cut back to a reasonable size and remove the trimmings off-site. Pruning can help control the size of smooth sumac.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Rhus glabra fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Smooth sumac typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Smooth sumac typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Rhus glabra fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map