Smooth Sumac ( genus Rhus glabra ) is part of the Anacardiaceae category , which includes other notable plants like poison ivy and cashews . Within theRhusgenus , it ’s tell apart by its want of hairiness on young stem , set it apart from congener like staghorn sumac .
This coinage is aboriginal to a vast region of North America , spanning from southerly Canada through much of the United States , down to northerly Mexico . It ’s commonly found in prairies , receptive woodlands , and disturbed areas where it can speedily colonize .
Historically , Native American tribes use Smooth Sumac for various purposes . The berries were used to make a sourish beverage high in vitamin C , exchangeable to lemonade . The plant was also used for medicinal aim , with its leaves and barque providing relief for ailments like looseness of the bowels and dysentery . In European settlement periods , it was recognized for its utility in terra firma reclamation and as an ornamental plant .
Smooth Sumac is a deciduous bush or pocket-size Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that can spring up up to 15 feet tall . It features chemical compound leaves with numerous leaflets , which turn a brilliant shadowiness of red , orange , or jaundiced in the fall . Unlike staghorn shumac , its stem turn are placid , not hirsute . It produce belittled , green flowers in summer , followed by clusters of red berries that persist into wintertime , offering both cosmetic value and food for wildlife .
Smooth Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9 , reflecting its wide adaptability to dissimilar climatic conditions , from cold winter to hot summers .
With proper precondition , Smooth Sumac can live for many decades , often over 30 years , in particular when it forms dull thickets through its suckering habit . Its seniority is suffer by its power to regenerate from roots following disturbances .
Landscape Uses
Smooth Sumac is valuate for several landscape diligence :
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra): Cultivation
choose the Right Location
Choose a situation that receive full sun to fond shade . Smooth Sumac thrive in cheery locations , which promote the best growth and vibrant fall colors . It can tolerate some shade but will be less rich .
Soil demand
This plant is highly adaptable to different soil type , include pitiable , flaxen , clay , or gravelly soils . It choose well - drained conditions but can handle some wet as well , making it resilient in various environments .
Planting Smooth Sumac
Plant in either spring or fall . Dig a hole slenderly large than the ancestor bollock . Place the plant so that the etymon crown is degree with the soil aerofoil , backfill with soil , and water system good to settle the soil around the root word .
Watering
Water young plants regularly until they are well - established . Once mature , Smooth Sumac is drouth - tolerant , requiring watering primarily during extended teetotal periods . obviate overwatering to prevent antecedent rot .
Spacing
distance plant about 10 to 15 foot apart to answer for for their ripe spread . Remember , Smooth Sumac spreads through suckers , and without direction , can form extensive thickets .
Mulching
Apply a bed of mulch around the infrastructure of the industrial plant to aid maintain soil wet , suppress weed , and order soil temperature . Mulch should be kept away from the fore to fend off rot .
Pruning
Pruning is n’t often necessary , but if you want to control sizing or shape , do so in late wintertime or early spring before new increase . take out deadened or unwanted mark to get by spread .
Fertilization
Smooth Sumac typically does not require fertilization due to its ability to grow in nourishing - wretched soils . If the plant seems to lack vigour , a light lotion of a balanced , sluggish - firing fertilizer in other spring can serve .
Pest and Disease Management
This sumach is relatively resistant to pestilence and diseases , but take in for aphid or scale louse . Fungal infections like powdery mildew can occur in overly wet conditions ; ensure ripe atmosphere circulation to palliate this .
Propagation
multiplication can be achieved through seeds , which require cold-blooded social stratification , or by taking root cut in late tumble . Suckers can also be dug up and transplanted to unexampled areas .
Controlling Spread
Smooth Sumac can spread aggressively through root soft touch . To control this , regularly remove unwanted shoots or consider installing radical barrier . This is specially significant in smaller landscapes or where you require to restrict its enlargement .
Winter Care
In its hardiness zones , Smooth Sumac is quite cold - repellent . However , in dusty regions or for young flora , add a layer of mulch around the base can offer additional ancestor trade protection . The industrial plant ’s hardy nature means it broadly speaking does not need exceptional winter care unless in extreme conditions .
