Smooth Sumac Tree Description
Rhus glabra, or the tree, is a common species in the cashew family. It is native to subtropical and temperate zones, similar to maple trees. It can be found in about 48 states in the US, and some are scattered throughout Canada and parts of Mexico. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and withstand long drought periods. It is usually found in open woodlands, disturbed areas, canyons, and dry, rocky hillsides.
The Leaves and Twigs
Smooth Sumac is an ancient-looking shrub with compound leaves arranged in spirals. The leaves also alternate with each other and have purple or soft green stems. The large leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and have up to 31 leaflets. The leaflets are dark green, shiny, and have toothed edges. The leaves turn orange, brilliant yellow, or red in autumn before they fall, which can change the appearance of the forest. Some other species have simple leaves with minute flowers with five petals with dense spikes.
The Flowers and Berries
The flowers of the Smooth Sumac are small, with yellow petals arranged in upright clusters. They can also be greenish-borne in dense 6 to 9-inch panicles. The female plants have bright red hairy berries that develop from the flowers. Due to the pyramid-shaped cluster of the flowers, the berries are arranged in a drupe.
The berries are small and round and stand out against the green leaves. The berries are edible when ripe. They are commonly eaten raw or dried or taken as berry tea. The berries grow around August to September and can grow about 1/8 inch in diameter. The twigs are smooth, stout, and have a whitish coating.
Smooth Sumac's Growing Conditions
The tree does not require a lot of water and can grow in soil with dry soil moisture. It is cold-tolerant and requires a soil pH of around 6.8-7.2. The plant can grow in most soil types, including sandy, clay, sandy loam, clay loam, and caliche. They grow very fast and are usually not affected by diseases or pests. The water available in the soil usually determines the mature plant height. The plant can grow in full sunlight and also in partial shade.
Uses of the Plant
The tree has various benefits, from the leaves and seeds to the edible berries. The seeds can last long without deteriorating and are used as decorations. The leaves and berries are a food source for many wild animals, such as deer and birds, usually in the winter. The young sprout is used in salads, mainly in the Middle East. The seeds are also used to prepare sumac-ade, similar to lemonade.
Smooth Sumac berries have medicinal uses when boiled, as they are used as a remedy for bloody diarrhea and painful menstruation
They can also be softened together with the roots to make a wash for sores. The roots can be mixed with tobacco to smoke or used individually to make a yellow dye.