About the Sumac - Smooth
:
The Smooth Sumac, Rhus glabra, is a
shade-intolerant pioneer on heavily disturbed sites,
and is particularly common along road and railroad
rights-of-way. Usually in clumps of several to many
individuals in a clone, rarely more than 25 stems in
one clone. Sumac will often be found within the
first year following fire. Smooth sumac is a
short-lived pioneer, which reproduces clonally via
root suckers. Seed production is moderately
abundant, and seeds are dispersed by birds.
Growth is rapid. Lifespan is about 20-30 years,
though clones can persist for centuries. Fruit is
important as winter bird food. This is an important
deer browse species. It is suited to group plantings
in small to large yards. It is especially useful in
attracting birds to naturalized yards.
