Rhus glabra aka Smooth Sumac

Taxonomy

Rhus glabra, also known as smooth sumac, is a native plant found throughout North America, from southern Quebec to northern Florida and Arizona in the United States, and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and is one of the easiest shrubs to identify throughout the year. Smooth sumac grows up to 3 m tall, rarely to 5 m, with a spreading, open habit. Its leaves are alternate, compound with 11-31 oppositely paired leaflets, and turn scarlet in the fall. In the spring, it produces tiny green flowers in dense erect panicles, followed by large panicles of edible crimson berries that remain throughout the winter. The bark on older wood is smooth and grey to brown. In late summer, smooth sumac sometimes forms galls on the underside of leaves, caused by the parasitic sumac leaf gall aphid, Melaphis rhois, but the galls are not harmful to the tree. Female plants produce scarlet, hairy terminal fruits in summer and persistent into winter. Smooth sumac is a super rare houseplant that is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Smooth sumac likes soil that is well-draining, and repotting each time it doubles in size should eliminate the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Smooth Sumac, Smooth Sumach, Vinegar Bush

How to care for Smooth Sumac

Difficulty

Caring for Smooth Sumac is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Smooth Sumac should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Smooth Sumac loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Smooth Sumac requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Smooth Sumach is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Smooth Sumac should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Smooth Sumac’s native range is N. America - found in all 48 mainland states of USA[214] and in southern Canada.


More info:
Wikipedia