Smooth sumac
Rhus glabra
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Spectacular orange-red fall color. Aggressive suckering, best for naturalized areas and slopes.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water8–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Rhus glabra
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Laciniata'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 8–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~20 ft apart (14 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- green
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySmooth sumac, aggressive root suckers can sprout 10+ ft from parent
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, shortgrass prairie
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Will form colonies via suckers, plant where spreading is acceptable.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Smooth sumac good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Smooth sumac is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Smooth sumac?
- The main things to know: Smooth sumac, aggressive root suckers can sprout 10+ ft from parent It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Smooth sumac get?
- It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Smooth sumac?
- Space Smooth sumac about 20 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 14 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Smooth sumac hardy on the Front Range?
- Smooth sumac is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Smooth sumac need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Smooth sumac grow?
- Smooth sumac is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Smooth sumac turn in fall?
- Smooth sumac turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Smooth sumac native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Smooth sumac deer-resistant?
- Smooth sumac is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Smooth sumac a good firewise plant near the house?
- Smooth sumac is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Smooth sumac prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Smooth sumac has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
