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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in hot water (starting at a temperature of 80 - 90c and allowing it to cool) prior to sowing in order to leach out any germination inhibitors[200]. This soak water can be drunk and has a delicious lemon-flavour. The stored seed also needs hot water treatment and can be sown in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage[78, 200]. Suckers in late autumn to winter[200].

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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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