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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 3–8Climate Temperate
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a deciduous shrub native to North America
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in heightSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — admired for its vivid red fall foliage and pyramidal clusters of dark red berriesSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wideSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — preferring full sun to partial shadeSmooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens+59

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Anacardiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (66)

Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a deciduous shrub native to North America
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — reaches 10-15 ft in height
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — admired for its vivid red fall foliage and pyramidal clusters of dark red berries
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wide
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — preferring full sun to partial shade
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Its extensive root system provides excellent erosion control, while the berries attract wildlife
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — scientifically referred to as Rhus glabra
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — deciduous shrub that offers striking visual interest throughout the year
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — making it an exceptional choice for landscape designs seeking a balance of color
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) — Its form is rounded to open, with a tendency to sucker, leading to dense thickets if not managed
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — although it can reach up to 20 feet in optimal conditions
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — consisting of 11 to 31 individual leaflets
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — offering a dramatic seasonal display
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — these deep green leaves transform into a vibrant spectacle of reds and oranges
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Landscape architects often employ this shrub for mass plantings
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — or as a bold accent piece.<br><br>The smooth sumac is easily identifiable by its compound leaves
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — which extend from 12 to 24 inches in length
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) — providing visual interest and food for wildlife.<br><br>Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Note that Rhus glabra is dioecious
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — although it is tolerant of poor soils and drought once established

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