Rhus glabra Smooth sumach (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhus glabra
Smooth sumach
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus glabra plant species is found in N. America - found in all 48 mainland states of USA[214] and in southern Canada. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Smooth sumach.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus glabra
Common Name:  Smooth sumach
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Thickets and waste ground on dry soil and by streams[4, 43, 60]. The best specimens are found in rich moist soil[149, 229].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil in full sun[11, 200]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[200]. A very hardy plant, when fully dormant it can tolerate temperatures down to at least -25°c[200]. However, the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A fast-growing but short-lived plant in the wild[229]. Single-stem plants are short-lived in cultivation, but if the plants are coppiced regularly and allowed to form thickets, then they will live longer and also be more ornamental with larger leaves[238]. Any coppicing is best carried out in early spring[238]. It is a very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties[182]. Closely allied to R. typhina[11], it hybridizes with that species where their ranges overlap[101, 229]. Plants have brittle branches and these can be broken off in strong winds[200]. Plants are also susceptible to coral spot fungus[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. A good bee plant[K]. Many of the species in this genus are highly toxic and can also cause severe irritation to the skin of some people, whilst other species such as this one are not poisonous. It is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs[1, 4]. The toxic species are sometimes separated into their own genus, Toxicodendron, by some botanists[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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