shrubN. America Native

Smooth Sumac

Rhus glabra

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable to dry or humid

Lifespan

Short-lived, but colonies persist

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, distinct from Poison Sumac

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhus glabra is a large, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree native across North America, known for its large, pinnately compound leaves and open, spreading habit. It offers brilliant orange-red fall color and upright clusters of fuzzy, crimson berries on female plants that persist through winter, providing emergency food for wildlife.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Smooth Sumac provides a bold, tropical texture with its large compound leaves. Its main ornamental season is autumn, when the foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and scarlet. The crimson fruit clusters on female plants are attractive and persist through winter.

It is an excellent plant for stabilizing soil on steep, sunny banks and slopes due to its suckering root system. The fuzzy berries can be steeped in cold water to make a tart, refreshing drink rich in Vitamin C.

It is a high-value wildlife plant. The flowers support a variety of pollinators. It is a host plant for the larvae of the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly and Luna moth. The winter berries are a critical emergency food source for many birds, including grouse, pheasants, and robins.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with poor, dry, or average soil.
This plant is not picky and thrives on neglect.
Dig a hole just large enough for the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill.
Water it once after planting.
Stand back and watch it grow; it requires no further care.

Pro Tip

Embrace its colonial nature by planting it in a large, open area where it can spread freely, like a sunny bank.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it on a difficult, sunny slope for erosion control.
Allow it to form a natural thicket for wildlife cover.
Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage.
Harvest the berries to make a tart, pink lemonade-like drink.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small, formal garden bed; it will spread aggressively.
Do not plant in wet or shady locations.
Don't fertilize or amend the soil; it prefers lean conditions.
Don't confuse it with Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which has white berries and grows in swamps.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Naturalistic massing for erosion controlBrilliant fall color on hillsides and banksPioneer species for habitat restoration

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod) Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Smooth Sumac questions

What zones can Smooth Sumac grow in?

Smooth Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Smooth Sumac deer resistant?

Yes — Smooth Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Smooth Sumac bloom?

Smooth Sumac typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Smooth Sumac need full sun?

Smooth Sumac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Smooth Sumac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Smooth Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.