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Description
Rhus Glabra, commonly known as smooth sumac, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 6 meters in height. The bark of the plant is brownish-grey, and the leaves are compound, with each leaf having 11-31 leaflets. The flowers of Rhus Glabra are yellow-green and appear in dense clusters during early summer, while the fruit is a red, fuzzy cluster that appears in late summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhus |
Appearance
The smooth sumac is a large shrub with a spreading habit. Its leaves are compound, with each leaflet being 5-11 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The leaves are green in the summer and turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The flowers are yellow-green and appear in dense clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a red, fuzzy cluster that appears in late summer and fall.
Care Guide
Rhus Glabra is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for it:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the first year after planting. After that, it can tolerate drought well.
- Fertilization: It doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if you want to encourage growth.
- Soil: It prefers well-draining soil but can grow in many soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: It can grow in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rhus Glabra is not usually affected by pests or diseases. However, here are some issues that you may encounter:
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken spots on the branches and stems. Prune and dispose of infected branches immediately.
Habitat
Rhus Glabra is native to North America and can be found in many parts of the United States and Canada. It grows in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. It is a common plant in prairies and savannas and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rhus Glabra poisonous?
A: No, Rhus Glabra is not poisonous, but some people may have an allergic reaction to its sap.
Q: Is Rhus Glabra invasive?
A: No, Rhus Glabra is not considered invasive, but it can spread through suckers.
Q: Can Rhus Glabra be used for landscaping?
A: Yes, Rhus Glabra is a great plant for landscaping, especially in naturalized areas and native gardens.
Q: Can Rhus Glabra be grown in containers?
A: It can be grown in large containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Related Plants
- Rhus Typhina (staghorn sumac)
- Rhus Aromatica (fragrant sumac)
- Rhus Copallinum (winged sumac)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Rhus glabra. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RHGL
- Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Rhus glabra. Retrieved from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/smooth-sumac
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Rhus glabra. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277086&isprofile=1&basic=smooth%20sumac
