Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

A fine, deciduous shrub, Smooth Sumac grows 9-12.' The deep green leaves are alternate and compound with many long, sharply toothed leaflets and pale undersides. They turn a brilliant scarlet in autumn. This species is found across North America (USDA 2-10) and is an excellent pioneer species in a disturbed area.

It is exceptionally drought and heat tolerant and does not require a fertile soil to become established. Birds love the bright red, fuzzy seeds which grow in erect clusters of as many as 700 individual fruits and persist throughout the winter. The fruits are edible and have medicinal properties.

Perfect for native gardens.

Sold by the bundle (10 plants per bundle).

Photo and description courtesy of The Wild Garden, www.nwplants.com.