Rhus glabra

RHS Plant Profile
smooth sumach
smooth sumach RHS

Other common names

scarlet sumach, vinegar tree

Shrubs

A suckering shrub with smooth, upright shoots and leaves up to 45cm long with dark red stems and shiny, bluish-green leaflets, turning rich red in autumn. In summer bears dense, conical clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers followed, on pollinated female plants, by spherical red berries

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Anacardiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Suckering
Genus
Rhus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, pinnate or palmately-divided leaves often colouring brilliantly in autumn, and inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring or summer, followed by small, spherical red fruits in dense clusters
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering growth means that it has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 7

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt