Overview
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as smooth sumac and is native to North America.
General appearance
The smooth sumac is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows to be 6-16 feet tall. It has a spreading, open canopy and a rounded shape. The bark is smooth and varies from light brown to grey in color. The leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of 11-31 leaflets, and turn a bright red in the autumn. The flowers are yellowish-green and appear in dense, cone-shaped clusters. The fruit is a red, hairy drupe that matures in late summer to early fall and persists through the winter.
Common names
The smooth sumac is also known as scarlet sumac, red sumac, common sumac, and velvet sumac.
Uses
The smooth sumac has a variety of uses. Indigenous people used the plant as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments like fever, diarrhea, sore throat, and respiratory problems. The fruit is edible and was used by Native Americans to make a lemonade-like drink from its drupes. The wood was also used for making tools and musical instruments. Today, the plant is often used in land reclamation and erosion control projects as it is able to grow in poor soil conditions. The drupes are also used in dyes, tanning, and as a flavoring agent in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Light Requirements
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. prefers growing in full sun to partial shade. They can withstand full sun exposure in northern areas of their range, while in the southern areas, they grow well in partial shade. The plants tend to have a more open growth habit in shade than in full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is a hardy plant, and it can grow in a wide range of temperature conditions. They are native to regions with cold winters and warm summers. The plant has a chilling requirement for fruiting, and it needs winter cold to break dormancy of the buds. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) in winter and as high as 100°F (38°C) in summer.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are moderately fertile, preferably with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. can grow in soils with moderate moisture levels in most areas. However, the plant dislikes saturated soils, and it is intolerant of salt and alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It grows best in well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be protected from strong winds. Propagation is typically done through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil in the spring or fall. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a well-draining soil mixture. When planting, it is important to space Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. plants at least 6 feet apart to allow for proper growth and development.Watering Needs
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. prefers moderate moisture levels. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other problems. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before each watering.Fertilization
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. does not require heavy fertilization, but it can benefit from periodic applications of a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.Pruning
Prune Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and prune back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Additionally, thin out any weak or spindly growth to promote a stronger, healthier plant. Avoid pruning the plant heavily as this can cause stress and reduce flowering and fruiting.Propagation of Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt.
Propagation of Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is possible through both sexual and asexual means. The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in well-draining soil during the fall or spring. The seeds should be planted approximately ¼ inch deep and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 1 to 3 months.
An easier and faster way to propagate Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is through cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems approximately 6 inches long, and all but the top few leaves should be removed. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil, watered, and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. The cuttings should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
Another asexual method of propagation is through layering. Layering involves bending a flexible stem of the plant down to the ground and burying a section of it in a shallow trench. The buried section should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone before being buried. The buried section should then be kept moist, and roots should form within several weeks. Once roots have formed, the rooted section can be separated from the parent plant and potted up or transplanted.
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. can also be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up, and the root mass should be divided into sections. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. Divided sections can be replanted at the same depth as they were previously growing, and should be watered well to encourage establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt.
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is a plant that is generally resistant to disease and pest problems. However, there are some common issues that can affect these plants and require management to maintain plant health and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can afflict Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt., and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is leaf spot. Leaf spot appears as small, circular or irregularly-shaped spots on leaves. These spots can be tan, brown, or black in color and can cause leaf tissue to die. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal infection and can be managed by removing infected leaves and using a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Another common disease that can affect Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. This disease can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using a fungicide to prevent further spread. Proper pruning and sunlight exposure can also help prevent powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. can also be affected by a number of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and can cause leaves to curl and distort. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and discoloration of foliage. Japanese beetles can cause extensive damage by feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit.
To manage pests, it is important to monitor plants regularly for signs of infestation. Spraying plants with a strong jet of water can help dislodge aphids and mites, while handpicking Japanese beetles can help control their numbers. In severe cases, insecticides may be necessary. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to control pest populations.
Overall, proper sanitation, adequate water, and good cultural practices can help minimize the risk of disease and pest problems in Rhus glabra L. var. borealis Britt. plants.
