Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac)

A genuinely unmatched native range - the only woody plant species found in all 48 contiguous states - smooth sumac is confirmed juglone tolerant and serves as a named larval host for the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly, all while thriving in poor, depleted soils that defeat most other shrubs.

Species Overview

Rhus glabra, or smooth sumac, is a deciduous shrub that grows to 15 feet tall with a suckering habit that creates full, dense colonies. It is notable as the only tree or shrub species native to all 48 contiguous United States, producing large clusters of bright red berry-like fruit on female plants and exceptional fall color ranging from orange to deep burgundy.

Application

• Erosion control and embankment stabilization - spreads rapidly by suckers
• Plantings near black walnut and other juglone-producing trees
• Larval host habitat for the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly
• Poor, disturbed, or depleted soil restoration

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry, poor, well-drained soils; highly adaptable
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry upland sumac; not tolerant of standing water.
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; June-August
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list) - the only woody species native to all 48 contiguous states
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid ("fast growing" per Native Plant Trust; "medium to fast" per Utah State University reference)
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged) (listed directly on a regional deer-resistant-plants reference; also noted as rabbit resistant)
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming - suckering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Only female plants bear fruit; give this species ample room, as it spreads rapidly by suckers to form large colonies and dense thickets.