Rhus glabra - Smooth Sumac
DESCRIPTION
smooth sumac
Rhus glabra
This spreading shrub, which typically grows 10-15' tall, spreads by root suckers to form large colonies in the wild. The foliage is shiny, dark green with almost a fern-like appearance. Prized for its attractive fall color in shades of bright orange to red in autumn. Tiny, yellowish-green flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Female plants produce showy, red clusters of fruit. Sumac is a highly important winter food source for game birds, songbirds and a wide variety of other wildlife. Best when massed for stabilizing embankments or in naturalized areas where it is free to spread.
Benefits
- Native to all of the lower 48 states
- Attracts butterflies, host plant for hair streak butterfly
- Prized for its orange and red fall color
- The seeds is an important food source for birds
- A superb choice for stabilizing embankments
- Tolerant of dry, shallow, rocky soil
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found along roadsides, in fields and wood borders.
Native range derived from The Biota of North America
INTERESTING FACTS
Raw young sprouts were eaten by Native Americans. They also made a drink from the berries, found on female plants, that is similar to lemonade. The roots can be used to make a yellow dye.
GROWING TIPS
Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils except those that are poorly drained.
Mature Size: 9-15ft. Tall x 9-15ft. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Part Shade
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download