Rhus glabra lanciniata

Cutleaf Smooth Sumac
Rhus glabra lanciniata
Type: Deciduous Tree
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

This North American native is an upright growing small tree or large shrub that will reach 10ft (3m) tall, occasionally as much as 20ft (6m) high, and will spread to form large patches by suckering if it’s allowed to. Huge leaves are divided into 11-23 toothed, slim leaflets, which are about 2-5in (5-12.5cm) long each. These are bright green above, whitish underneath. Early summer flowers give rise to attractive reddish fruit clusters in the autumn that stays with the bare branches throughout the winter. But the selling point for me is the brilliant fall display of color. The leaves change from green to brilliant scarlet, and go through every other color on the way. Make sure to remove those suckers when they appear to keep its spreading habit in check.

Cheers,

John