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Smooth Sumac Shrub

Rhus glabra
$8999 $9999
  • In Stock
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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

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Plant Highlights

Smooth Sumac Shrub highlights at a glance!

Plant Highlights

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Rhus glabra
  • Growing Zones
    3-9
  • Mature Height
    10 - 15 feet
  • Mature Spread
    10 - 15 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Moisture
    Moderate to Low
  • Soil
    Well-Drained
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Yellowish-Green
  • Fall Color
    Yellow, Orange, Red
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pruning Time
    When Dormant
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring

The Sumac has spectacular colors and endless appeal! An American native shrub or small tree, the colony-forming plants are known for their ability to naturalize! The combination of their unique spires of red berries, Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is a staple in just about all geographical locations around the US!

They are absolutely beautiful additions to any garden and are sure to brighten up any afternoon with the colorful birds the berries will attract. Backed by a tropical flourish of highly compound green foliage, laid out in a symmetrical pattern along the branches.

The Smooth Sumac is a deciduous shrub that has short, crooked, trunks with charming. Interspersed throughout the bush are cones of petite red berries that add a wonderful splash of color. The form can be trained into a pretty tree form with some training and pruning!

The interest doesn't end there though, as fall takes hold, this bush will turn a stunning shade of red to add a second season of color! You'll love the brilliant look of the Smooth Sumac as it transitions from green to scarlet in your garden!

This showy edible and medicinal plant has many uses, some dating back hundreds of years! Native Americans would collect young sprouts and use them as salads. Nowadays, the berries are more widely used than the plant itself as they can be chewed on to quench thirst or prepared as a drink similar to lemonade!

Planting and Application:

This Smooth Sumac won't just be delightful to you; Butterflies will love to stop by and check out the yellow-green flowers while songbirds will create a constant flutter in your garden as they stop to snack on the berries. If you like to birdwatch, this shrub is an absolute must-have! Great for creating habitat and native ecosystem shelterbelts.

This specimen is truly a versatile shrub. Use it as a border or as a foundation plant in your garden. Sumac is simply a spectacular fall garden plant! Use one on a corner of your home for a showy anchor, or native focal point in the sun garden.

These native American shrubs or small trees will expand by root suckering to create a wide-spreading plant. Read the Plant Highlights to see how far each plant will spread. This plant helps in soil conservation, and Sumac will create the most amazing drifts of brilliant fall color. It is an ideal choice when used en masse along the edge of a woodland area or in groupings to shelter and feed birds and wildlife!

If you have a steep hill on your property, please turn it into a focal point in your landscape. After all, it's far safer and more attractive to use a naturalized planting of Sumac for cover, than to try to grow and mow turf on a steep slope. These colonizing shrubs also help control erosion on hillsides and along the banks and can be Xeric once established!

  • Showy Tropical Highly Compound Leaves
  • Attracts Tons of Butterflies
  • Native Shrub or Tree
  • Edible & Bird-Friendly Red Berries
  • Brilliant Fall Colors
  • Native Habitat, Hedges, Erosion, Screening & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The deciduous Sumac Shrub is one of the easiest and hardiest plants to have in your garden. It thrives in dry, well-drained, soils and full sun. It's no wonder the Smooth Sumac is the only shrub to be native to all 48 of the contiguous United States growing zones 3 to 9!

Provide regular water during new plants' first years in the ground, but once established, Sumac are drought tolerant! Mulch keeps weed competition down and holds moisture in the soil more evenly while protecting the roots from heat and chill.

Prune when dormant to control size and shape. If you'd like, you can rejuvenate these shrubs by cutting them back to the ground mid-winter, however, this is not necessary to maintain a healthy shrub.

  • Full Sun Shrubs
  • Well-Drained Soil
  • Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
  • Prune Or Cut Down When Dormant
  • Hardy Drought-Tolerant Deciduous Native

Native hardiness, red fruit and fall color, fine textured exotic-looking leaves, and tough resilience! You'll be rewarded with stunning colors and singing birds for years to come. Order a Smooth Sumac from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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C
Chuck
sumac tea

The smooth sumac fruit can be boiled and drink.It taste much like lemonade. Use sugar or substitute sweetner and thin with water if need be. Good hot or cold or mixed with tea and other drinks.

Hello Chuck,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Smooth Sumac Shrub! We love hearing how customers enjoy their plants in such creative and tasty ways. Your tip about boiling the fruit to make a lemonade-like tea with a touch of sweetener sounds delicious—and it’s a great reminder of how versatile this shrub can be, both as an ornamental and a culinary delight.

If you’re interested in exploring more recipes or ways to use sumac, we recommend looking into traditional herbal brewing guides or joining online gardening communities where folks exchange their unique harvest tips. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other plant insights or questions—you’ve got quite the knack for turning nature’s gifts into refreshing treats!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Su.
Smooth Sumac

I've always been a sumac lover and this is one of my favorites

Dear Su. Mac.,

Thank you so much for sharing your love for the Smooth Sumac shrub with us! It’s wonderful to hear that this particular variety holds such a special place in your garden. Sumacs truly bring beautiful texture and vibrant colors throughout the seasons, making them fantastic additions.

If you’re looking for tips to keep your Smooth Sumac thriving, be sure to plant it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. These hearty shrubs are great for erosion control and can create lovely natural borders. And if you ever want to experiment with companion plants, rocks, or seasonal color accents, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help your garden flourish.

Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. We look forward to seeing your Smooth Sumac continue to brighten your outdoor space!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

S
Su.
Smooth Sumac

I've always been a sumac lover and this is one of my favorites

Dear Su. M.,

Thank you so much for sharing your love for the Smooth Sumac shrub—it's truly wonderful to hear how much it means to you! Sumacs are such vibrant and resilient plants that bring both color and character to any garden. If you’re looking for tips to keep your Smooth Sumac thriving, ensuring it’s planted in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight often helps it showcase those lush, rich hues that make it a garden favorite.

If you ever want recommendations for companion plants or advice on pruning to maintain its shape and health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

B
Barbara
Fall color

I just ordered a couple of these Smooth Sumac plants. I live next to a public park and they have a hedge of these plants which are absolutely stunning this time of the year (fall).

Hello Barbara,

Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm about the Smooth Sumac shrub! We’re delighted to hear that the vibrant fall colors you’ve enjoyed in the public park are inspiring your own garden choices. Smooth Sumac is indeed a fantastic addition, prized for its brilliant hues and hardiness.

As you get your new plants settled, ensure they have plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to help them thrive. They’re also quite drought-tolerant once established — perfect for minimal maintenance! If you’d ever want to encourage a nicely shaped hedge like the one you admire, light pruning in late winter can keep the growth dense and healthy.

If you have any questions about caring for your Sumac or suggestions on companion plants that complement its stunning fall color, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

B
Barbara
Fall color

I just ordered a couple of these Smooth Sumac plants. I live next to a public park and they have a hedge of these plants which are absolutely stunning this time of the year (fall).

Hi Barbara,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Smooth Sumac! It’s wonderful to hear how stunning the hedge looks in fall—those vibrant, fiery red tones really are nature’s autumn masterpiece. You’ve chosen a fantastic plant that provides year-round interest and can add lovely color and texture to your landscape.

If you’re interested in maximizing your shrub’s fall color, consider planting it in a spot that receives full sun, as this typically enhances the foliage’s brightness. And since Smooth Sumac is quite adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, it usually thrives with minimal fuss. Feel free to check out our care guides on nutrient recommendations and pruning tips to keep your new addition healthy and vibrant year after year.

We’re excited for your garden to share the beauty of fall with you soon—thank you again for trusting Nature Hills with your planting needs!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Smooth Sumac

Smooth Sumac Shrub

From $8999 $9999

Growing Zones

3-9

Mature Height

10 - 15 feet

Mature Spread

10 - 15 feet

Sun

Full Sun

Foliage Color

N/A

Fall Color

Yellow, Orange, Red

Flower Color

Yellowish-Green
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