Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Rhus glabra L.
Smooth sumac
Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
The colony-forming smooth sumac is a 10-20 ft.
shrub with short, crooked, leaning trunks and picturesque branches. The pinnately
compound leaves are
alternate, with 13–30 sharp-toothed leaflets on each side of the midrib.
Deciduous leaves become extremely colorful in early fall.
On female plants, yellow-green flowers are followed by bright-red, hairy berries in erect, pyramidal clusters which persist throughout winter.
The only
shrub or
tree species
native to all 48 contiguous states.
Image Gallery:
30 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AZ , AR , CA , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Across most of Canada except the far north and almost all of the US, south into Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico
Native Habitat: Roadsides; fields; wood borders; waste places
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Most dry soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type
Conditions Comments: This is the dominant sumac of blackland prairies. Plants of Rocky Mountain origin are usually separated into the variety cismontana. This dwarf variety is becoming popular in cultivation. In a planned landscape, the species is most effective when drifts or colonies, typical of natural settings, are allowed to establish. Colonies can be rejuvenated every few years by cutting them to the ground in mid-winter. Sumacs will grow in dry waste areas, such as impossible slopes where even junipers struggle. They are fast growing, generally pest and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Colonies are often single-sexed, formed from a single, suckering parent. Only female plants produce flowers and berries.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: The seeds remain firmly attached for a long time without noticeable deterioration and are often used in large decorative arrangements.
Use Wildlife: Consumed by birds of many kinds and small mammals, mainly in winter. Deer browse the twigs and
fruit throughout the year.
Use Food: Raw young sprouts were eaten by the Indians as salad. The sour
fruit, mostly seed, can be chewed to quench thirst or prepared as a drink similar to lemonade.
Use Medicinal: Boiled
fruit as a remedy for pianful menstruation and blood diarrhea. Diuretic. Roots and berries steeped to make wash for sores. Internal as a tea and externally as a wash for female complaints. (Kindscher)
Use Other: Roots make yellow dye. Mixed with tobacco to smoke. (Kindscher)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Hairstreak butterfly
2009-02-18
