Smooth Sumac Tree Seeds

Smooth Sumac Tree Seeds (Rhus glabra) are an excellent choice for growing a hardy, fast-growing native shrub or small tree known for its brilliant red fall foliage and upright clusters of deep red berries. This adaptable species forms attractive colonies over time and is commonly used for naturalized landscapes, wildlife plantings, erosion control, restoration projects, and native gardens.

Smooth Sumac provides valuable food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Its dense growth makes it useful for stabilizing slopes, covering difficult sites, and adding seasonal color to large landscapes. The species tolerates drought, poor soils, rocky areas, and a wide range of growing conditions once established.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Rhus glabra
• Common Name: Smooth Sumac
• Family: Anacardiaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Native Range: Widespread throughout North America
• Mature Height: 8–15 feet
• Mature Spread: 10–15 feet
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, rocky, dry, and well-drained soils
• Soil pH: Approximately 5.0–7.5
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Drought Tolerance: High once established
• Salt Tolerance: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Moderate
• Wildlife Value: Berries provide food for birds and wildlife; dense growth offers shelter and nesting habitat
• Container Friendliness: Suitable for starting in containers but best planted in the landscape
• Landscape Uses: Native gardens, wildlife plantings, erosion control, naturalized areas, slopes, restoration projects, screens, and fall-color plantings
• Germination Rate: 70–90%
• Pre-treatment: Scarification is required before sowing

Germination Instructions

Smooth Sumac seeds have a hard, water-resistant seed coat that requires scarification before planting. Carefully nick or lightly sand a small area of the seed coat without damaging the inner seed. Seeds may also be treated using an appropriate hot-water scarification method.

After scarification, soak the seeds in room-temperature water for approximately 12–24 hours. Sow the treated seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a moist, well-draining seed-starting mixture.

Place the containers in a warm location with temperatures around 70–75°F. Cover the containers with a clear humidity dome to help maintain consistent moisture. Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never saturated.

Provide bright light after seedlings emerge. Germination times may vary depending on seed preparation, temperature, moisture, and growing conditions.

Growing Information

• Plant seedlings outdoors after they have developed a strong root system
• Choose a location with full sun for the best growth, fall color, and berry production
• Space plants approximately 6–10 feet apart, depending on the desired landscape use
• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Established plants tolerate drought and poor soil conditions
• Smooth Sumac spreads naturally through underground root suckers
• Remove unwanted suckers when a more controlled growth habit is preferred
• Minimal fertilization is generally required
• Plants are well suited for slopes, banks, disturbed areas, and naturalized landscapes
• Female plants produce clusters of red berries when successfully pollinated
• Fall foliage may display brilliant shades of red, orange, and burgundy

Seed Quantities Available

• 1 oz. – Approximately 1,187 Seeds
• 1/4 lb. – Approximately 4,748 Seeds
• 1 lb. – Approximately 18,992 Seeds