Rhus glabra
Smooth sumach, Scarlet sumach, Vinegar tree, Upland sumach
- Height × spread
- 2.5m × 2.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a wide spreading shrub that has smooth stems and horizontally spreading branches clad in striking pinnate leaves. These are large and long, dark green in summer and glorious orange and red in the autumn. It has scarlet, hairy, vertical flowering plumes on female plants which are also a notable autumn feature. It produces trusses of red fruits that last beyond leaf fall. The fruit of this species are used to make a drink. However, some species of sumach are poisonous so, be wary. This reaches around 6m (20ft) height with 7m (23ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Orange-red
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 2.5m
- Spread
- 2.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.