Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra): A Widespread Native with Spectacular Fall Color

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is the only tree or shrub native to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Often overlooked as just another green plant most of the year, it ignites in autumn with intense shades of yellow, scarlet, and purple. Its close relatives—staghorn sumac (R. typhina) and flameleaf sumac (R. copallina)—share this fiery display.

These sumacs are aggressive, with wide-spreading, shallow root systems. They're best paired with other strong plants that can hold their own.

Botanical name: Rhus glabra
Common names: Smooth sumac, red sumac, upland sumac, vinegar tree
Origin: Naturally occurring in nearly every U.S. state; most common east of the Mississippi
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9 (–40 °F / –40 °C)
Typical Communities: Fence rows, woodland edges, savannas, prairies, roadsides; pioneer on disturbed sites
Water: Low; prefers average to dry soil
Light: Full sun; tolerates little shade
Mature Size: 8–15 ft tall and wide; forms colonies from root suckers
Benefits: Grows in disturbed sites; tolerates poor, thin, saline, alkaline soils; shallow roots stabilize slopes against erosion
Seasonal Interest: Dark green, frond-like leaves turn orange to deep red/purple in fall; female plants produce dense scarlet berry clusters in late summer that persist into late winter, feeding birds
When to Plant: Spring or fall (container plants)

Shown: A fully formed fruit cluster in late summer; berries remain into winter.

Shown: A 2–3 year old plant in early October as fall color begins.

Distinguishing Traits

Leaves are long, pinnately compound with 9–27 leaflets; central stem has a reddish cast. Leaflets are dark green above, whitish-bloomed below, coarsely toothed. Stems and buds are smooth, often with a whitish/bluish bloom. Fall color is the standout feature.

Plants are dioecious (male or female). Green flowers in June–July attract bees, wasps, butterflies. Male flowers are larger, produce nectar and pollen; female flowers produce only nectar. Pollinated females develop dense scarlet fruiting clusters lasting well into winter.

Shown: A cluster of green male flowers.

How to Use It

Aggressive, colony-forming shrub. In formal settings, manage spread—grow in a large pot to enjoy foliage and fall color without takeover. Cultivar R. glabra 'Laciniata' has finely dissected foliage suited for containers.

Best in naturalistic gardens, difficult slopes, woodland edges, hedgerows. Mass plantings are effective at a distance. Holds its own with other aggressive growers. Shade-intolerant, so won't encroach into woodland shade gardens. Lower branches drop, leaving bare stems—underplant with medium grasses and low shrubs (eastern redcedar, New Jersey tea, gray dogwood, prairie rose).

Shown: Smooth sumac on the High Line, NYC, with dense blazingstar and lead plant.

Tight berry clusters add winter interest and feed overwintering birds. Ripe berries have an acidic taste; soak in water for a lemonade-like drink (older berries lose acidity).

Larval host for hairstreak butterfly; provides pollen/nectar for native bees and late-season bird food.

Planting Notes

Bare-root planting in spring works well; rapid growth (double/triple size first season). Colonies may lose vigor after ~15 years; reinvigorate by cutting to ground in midwinter. Clonal colonies are often single-sexed; plant several individuals to ensure both sexes for berry production. Seedlings flower in 3–4 years. Deer browse leaves and twigs; protect young plants with chicken wire. May be hard to find at retail nurseries; check mail-order and local native-plant nurseries. Source plants from similar habitat/climate for best adaptation.