Smooth Sumac

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

9 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

9 - 15 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Smooth Sumac produces showy spring foliage in shades of green melting into reddish and orangish hues in autumn. Female plants produce clusters of delicate pale green flowers that morph into showy 8-inch-long bunches of purplish-red fruit. Songbirds love to eat the berries throughout winter. This adaptable perennial shrub, or Rhus glabra, is native to North America and cold hardy in zones 3 to 8. This plant is not to be confused with poison sumac; Smooth Sumac is friendly to humans, attracts butterflies, and supports bees. 

Tolerant of most types of soils except for clay, Smooth Sumac is an excellent choice to plant along banks and beaches. This shrub can spread and naturalize in open spaces, producing dense growth. Drought tolerant and somewhat deer resistant, this shrub is a great investment for any garden. 

Smooth Sumac Care

Plant Smooth Sumac in full sun to partial shade. While adaptable to different soil types, this shrub thrives in moderately moist, acidic to alkaline, well-draining soil. The only soil that may pose problems is hard clay. You can improve drainage by amending clay soil with compost. Provide one inch of water weekly throughout the first year until this perennial establishes its roots. After that, water only during periods of drought. An easy-to-care-for shrub, Smooth Sumac rarely needs fertilizer. If, however, it is struggling, you can apply a layer of organic compost or manure.

Usually, Smooth Sumac will not require heavy pruning. To maintain size, however, prune unwanted growth during early spring and remove any dead, damaged, diseased, and crossed branches when they occur.

Smooth Sumac Spacing

Reaching 9 to 15 feet tall and wide, Smooth Sumac needs room to grow and should be spaced 9 to 15 feet apart. Plant with dogwoods for a stunning native planting.