Shrub or rarely small tree with open flattened crown. Twigs thick, gray or brown with whitish bloom. Leaves pinnately compound, 30-50 cm (12-20 in) long, glabrous, usually with reddish rachis. Leaflets 11-31, lanceolate, 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long, toothed, usually turning red in early fall. Flowers numerous in a large terminal panicle, very small, whitish, blooming in early Summer. Fruits small, dark red, covered with sticky hairs.
Distribution: The species is native to most of the 48 conterminous states, northern Mexico, and southern Canada.
Habitat: most abundant in forest-prairie margins and old fields.
Comment: Smooth sumac often forms dense clonal thickets by vegetative reproduction. Rhus is the ancient Latin name; glabra refers to the shiny hairless leaves.
NWI status: none
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/17/99
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