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Smooth Sumac

Rhus glabra

Other common name(s):

Family:

Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
10
ft.

Spread

3
to
10
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Caliche, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow, Green, Brown

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Berry, Fall Color, Forage, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Deer, Bees

Maintenance

In a planned landscape, the species is most effective when colonies are allowed to establish. Colonies can be rejuvenated every few years by cutting them to the ground in mid-winter. Sumacs will grow in dry waste areas where even junipers struggle. They are fast growing, generally pest and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Good for erosion control. Propagation: Seeds, Root division.

Comments

Blooms Apring-August. This is the dominant sumac of Texas Blackland Prairies. A dwarf variety is becoming popular in cultivation. Colonies formed by rhizomes. Only female plants produce flowers and berries in a pyramid shaped cluster. Leaves turn bright reds and oranges in the Fall. Berries consumed by birds of many kinds and small mammals, mainly in winter. Deer browse the twigs and fruit throughout the year. Browsed by deer. Attracts: birds and butterflies. Larval Host: Hairstreak butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Rhus borealis, Rhus calophylla, Rhus glabra var. cismontana, Rhus glabra var. laciniata, Rhus glabra var. occidentalis

References

1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHGL, 2) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=866&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 3) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=28782#null, 4) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 258, 5) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas.

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Contact a local Chapter

State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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