Common names: smooth sumac, scarlet sumac

Scientific names: Rhus glabra

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall, winter (for Rhus spp.- Toxiconendron radicans complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial shrub to 10.0 feet, rarely a small tree to 20.0 feet. Leaves deciduous, alternate, pinnately compound, the rachis not winged between leaflets; leaflets usually 7-31 pairs, sessile or nearly so, margins sharply serrate; plant is polygamous; inflorescence is a large dense panicle, terminal on branches; flowers greenish; fruit is a 1-seeded drupe, in dense panicles, subglobose but somewhat flattened, with short red velvety hairs, maturing August-September. Flowers May-July.

Plant community type: Primarily in open uplands and along the edges of wooded-open areas in uplands, but does occur in bottomland situations. Often found along roadsides, ditches, etc. Often forming thickets from root sprouts.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family