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. Red-banded hairstreak butterfly caterpillars feed on decaying sumac leaves and oak litter. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
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 Host, 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, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
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.