Species PlantsSmooth Sumac

Smooth Sumac

Rhus glabra

CommonPlant
Illustration of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

Smooth Sumac is a native shrub of open disturbed areas, roadsides, and upland forests that spreads vigorously by root suckers to form dense thickets. Its compound leaves turn brilliant orange-red in fall, and the upright clusters of fuzzy red fruits are eaten by over 30 bird species during winter, particularly bluebirds, robins, and mockingbirds.

Habitat
Old fields, roadsides, and open uplands across eastern and central North America
Diet
Red fruits eaten by over 30 bird species; important winter emergency food
How common
Common

Best time to see a Smooth Sumac

The best time to see a Smooth Sumac is June–September, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 30,040 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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