Sumac, Smooth, Bare Root

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

Smooth Sumac is a striking native shrub celebrated for its brilliant red fall foliage, vibrant clusters of red fruit, and adaptability to challenging environments. This tough, drought-tolerant plant supports native wildlife while serving as an excellent option for erosion control, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas. Its fruit has been traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes, and it plays an important ecological role in supporting birds and pollinators.

Key Characteristics:

• Wildlife Support:
  Smooth Sumac’s red drupes persist into winter, providing an essential food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins. The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

• Traditional Uses:
  Indigenous peoples have used the tart fruit to make sumac-ade, a refreshing drink rich in vitamin C. The bark and roots were also utilized in traditional medicine for their astringent and antiseptic properties.

• Erosion Control and Soil Health:
  This shrub thrives on slopes and in poor soils, making it a valuable plant for stabilizing soil and restoring degraded landscapes. Its spreading habit helps control erosion naturally.

• Landscape Versatility:
  Smooth Sumac adds dramatic seasonal interest with its fiery autumn foliage and dense fruit clusters. It’s ideal for native meadows, streambank restoration, and the edges of woodland areas.

• Adaptable and Low Maintenance:
  Thriving in dry to medium soils and full sun to partial shade, Smooth Sumac is an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Its tolerance for drought and poor soil ensures success in a variety of conditions.

Product Details:

• Native Range: North America (widespread across the U.S. and Canada)
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, tolerates poor soil
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow
• Fruit: Red drupes persisting into winter
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Final Statement:

Smooth Sumac is a standout native shrub offering ecological benefits, stunning seasonal interest, and traditional uses. Whether stabilizing slopes or creating a haven for pollinators, this plant thrives with ease.