Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra 100 Seeds USA Company

Rhus glabra, commonly known as smooth sumac, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) and has a spreading, open habit. The leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem. Each leaflet is lance-shaped with serrated edges, giving the foliage a delicate appearance.

In spring, smooth sumac produces small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in dense clusters at the tips of branches. These flowers are followed by the development of clusters of red, hairy fruit known as drupes. The fruit clusters, called "sumac bobs," are visually striking and persist on the plant throughout the fall and winter, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Smooth sumac is known for its tolerance to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for naturalizing landscapes and controlling erosion. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found in open woodlands, fields, and along roadsides.

While smooth sumac is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities and ecological benefits, it has also been utilized for its medicinal properties and as a source of dye. Additionally, some Native American tribes historically used various parts of the plant for traditional purposes, including treating ailments and making beverages. However, it's essential to note that while smooth sumac has some traditional uses, caution should be exercised, as certain parts of the plant can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Growing Instructions

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.

1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
2. Soak the seed in water for several hours.
3. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months.
4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
5. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
6. Water the container and leave it to drain.
7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
8. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.