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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

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) — Note that Rhus glabra is dioecious
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — preferring full sun to partial shade; deciduous shrub that offers striking visual interest throughout the year, image 64
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — or as a bold accent piece.<br><br>The smooth sumac is easily identifiable by its compound leaves; this native North American
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — which extend from 12 to 24 inches in length
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — admired for its vivid red fall foliage and pyramidal clusters of dark red berries; making it an exceptional choice for, image 60
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — The sumac's hardiness zones range from 3 to 9; and wildlife support.<br><br>Rhus glabra typically grows to a height of 5 to 15
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — deciduous shrub that offers striking visual interest throughout the year; scientifically referred to as Rhus glabra
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Ideal for naturalized or wildlife gardens; note that Rhus glabra is dioecious
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — although it is tolerant of poor soils and drought once established; although it can reach up to 20 feet in optimal conditions
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — although it can reach up to 20 feet in optimal conditions; smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a deciduous shrub native to North America
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — preferring full sun to partial shade; deciduous shrub that offers striking visual interest throughout the year
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9; consisting of 11 to 31 individual leaflets
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — providing visual interest and food for wildlife.<br><br>Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions; making it a robust choice for
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9; consisting of 11 to 31 individual leaflets, image 61
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Its extensive root system provides excellent erosion control, while the berries attract wildlife; which extend from 12, image 65
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Note that Rhus glabra is dioecious; offering a dramatic seasonal display
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — and spreads 10-20 ft wide; this hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 3-9
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — although it is tolerant of poor soils and drought once established
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — making it an exceptional choice for landscape designs seeking a balance of color
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — which is an essential consideration for garden designs that aim to maximize wildlife attraction; and spreads 10-20 ft wide
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — consisting of 11 to 31 individual leaflets
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — preferring full sun to partial shade
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — Landscape architects often employ this shrub for mass plantings
Smooth Sumac (Rhus Glabra) — making it an exceptional choice for landscape designs seeking a balance of color; or as a bold accent piece.<br><br>The smooth
Photographs by 12 contributors

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