Species Profiles Cumulative Quiz 4 View

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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
Family: Anacardiaceae

 

A table detailing the characteristics of the smooth sumac

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Form:

This is a small tree reaching 5-20 ft. in height with spreading branches.

Leaves:
 Arrangement: alternate; pinnately compound; 12-24″ long; 13-25 leaflets

 Shape: lanceolate

 Margin: serrate

 Texture: glabrous above and pubescent below

smooth sumac leaves

Bark:

The bark has a red-brown tint. It is smooth when young and slightly scaly with age. It is also lenticellate.

Twigs and Buds:

Twigs are glabrous and stout and have small rounded buds.

Flowers and Fruit:

It’s white flowers are dioecious.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

It has a reddish petiole reddish that contains a sticky sap.

Range:

It can be found throughout the eastern United States.

Silvics:

Smooth sumac is intolerant of shade. It is common on dry upland sites, along woods borders, and in small openings.

Ecological and Cultural Importance:

It is the most common of sumacs. The wood is not commercially valuable.