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Smooth Sumac
Smooth Sumac botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Smooth Sumac

Rhus glabra
In the United States: Native · also called smooth sumac, scarlet sumac, common sumac

Honeybees visit smooth sumac for its abundant nectar and pollen, making it a major early summer forage source that supports colony buildup. Peak bloom occurs in June to July, providing reliable rewards during a key period. It spreads aggressively via suckers to form thickets, so plant in areas where containment is feasible; dioecious plants mean both male and female flowers attract bees equally.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) June–July
Hardiness zones3-9
Duration~2 weeks
TypePerennial
Sunfull

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