Compound leaves are shiny dark green on top and almost white on the undersides. Compact clusters of dark red, velvety berries form August-September. May be steeped for tea. The brilliant red fall foliage becomes a focal point in the landscape.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Smooth Sumac
Rhus glabra
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
9 to
12
feet
Spread:
9 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 9 to
12
feet
Spread: 9 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 9 to
12
feet
Spread: 9 to
12
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in shrub border, hedgerow or screen. Naturalize along the edge of a woodland. Berries attract birds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows aggressively from suckers. Remove suckers to prevent unwanted spread. Very adaptable. Cut plants to ground every 2-3 years to reduce height.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible, Fragrant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.