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Smooth Sumac

Rhus Glabra

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Overview

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, admired for its vivid red fall foliage and pyramidal clusters of dark red berries. This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9, reaches 10-15 ft in height, and spreads 10-20 ft wide, preferring full sun to partial shade. Its extensive root system provides excellent erosion control, while the berries attract wildlife. Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater High, Low, MediumZones 3–8Type Shrub, TreeClimate Temperate
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height; requiring both male and female plants for fruit production
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — these deep green leaves transform into a vibrant spectacle of reds and oranges; its form is rounded to open, with a tendency toSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wide; this hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9, image 63Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Its form is rounded to open, with a tendency to sucker, leading to dense thickets if not managed; ideal for naturalized orSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — providing visual interest and food for wildlife.<br><br>Adaptable to a variety of soil conditionsSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — offering a dramatic seasonal displaySmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — this native North American species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil; preferring full sun to+79

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
High, Low, Medium
USDA zones
3–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Anacardiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (86)

Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height; requiring both male and female plants for fruit production
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — these deep green leaves transform into a vibrant spectacle of reds and oranges; its form is rounded to open, with a tendency to
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wide; this hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9, image 63
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Its form is rounded to open, with a tendency to sucker, leading to dense thickets if not managed; ideal for naturalized or
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — providing visual interest and food for wildlife.<br><br>Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — offering a dramatic seasonal display
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — this native North American species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil; preferring full sun to
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — scientifically referred to as Rhus glabra
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and wildlife support.<br><br>Rhus glabra typically grows to a height of 5 to 15 feet with an equal spread
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wide
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — which extend from 12 to 24 inches in length; shrub / tree for full or half or shade
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height; requiring both male and female plants for fruit production, image 62
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — deciduous shrub that offers striking visual interest throughout the year
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens; note that Rhus glabra is dioecious, image 66
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — The sumac's hardiness zones range from 3 to 9
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and wildlife support.<br><br>Rhus glabra typically grows to a height of 5 to 15 feet with an equal spread; although it is tolerant
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — this native North American species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — requiring both male and female plants for fruit production
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — these deep green leaves transform into a vibrant spectacle of reds and oranges
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — requiring both male and female plants for fruit production; the sumac's hardiness zones range from 3 to 9
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — shrub / tree for full or half or shade
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height
Photographs by 11 contributors

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