Description
Smooth Sumach, also known as Rhus glabra, is a native plant of North America. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 feet in height. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with 9-31 leaflets. The leaves turn red in the fall. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and they are borne in dense clusters. The fruit is a red, hairy drupe.
Smooth Sumach prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but it does not do well in wet or poorly-drained soils. To cultivate it successfully, a grower should plant it in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is winter hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures.
The edible parts of Smooth Sumach are the drupes, which can be ground into a powder and used as a spice. The drupes can also be soaked in water to make a refreshing drink. The drupes can be stored for later use by drying them and storing them in an airtight container.
Smooth Sumach has a number of uses. The plant can be used as a natural dye, and the leaves can be used as a natural insect repellent. The plant is also valued for its attractive fall color and its ability to attract birds and other wildlife.
