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Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Anacardiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around smooth sumac and prepare for winter.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, compound, red in autumn
Blooming
June to July, greenish flowers in panicles
Adult size
2 to 4 m in height, spreading habit
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -30 °C
Origin
North America
Soil type
Adaptable, tolerates poor and dry soils

Care

Exposure

Plant your smooth sumac in full sun to achieve the most beautiful autumn colors. It tolerates partial shade but will develop less spectacular hues. Avoid heavily shaded areas where its vigor diminishes.

Watering

Once established, smooth sumac is very tolerant of drought. Water regularly during the first year after planting. Under normal conditions, rainfall is sufficient; only intervene during prolonged dry spells.

Soil

Smooth sumac adapts to most soils, even poor, gravelly, or sandy ones. It dislikes excess moisture and overly compact soils. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation.

Pruning and training

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning as it weakens the shrub. The plant naturally produces shoots, which reinforces its bushy habit.

Fertilizer

Smooth sumac does not require regular fertilizer, especially in poor soil where it thrives naturally. An annual application of compost in spring is sufficient to maintain its vigor.

Diseases and pests

Smooth sumac is very robust and rarely affected by diseases. Occasionally watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions. No major pests typically affect it. Its suckering root system can become invasive; a root barrier may be useful in small spaces.

Did you know?

Smooth sumac is renowned for its spectacular crimson and orange autumn colors, which have inspired painters and landscapers for centuries in North America. Its velvety red berries (drupes) persist for a long time and feed birds in winter, making it an excellent shrub for biodiversity. Beware: do not confuse it with poison sumac (Toxicodendron), a very different species that poses risks of dermatitis.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.