Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a plant that tends to spread aggressively in the landscape. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered smooth sumac in various settings, and its aggressive nature is something that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to include it in your garden.
One of the reasons why smooth sumac can be considered aggressive is its ability to produce suckers. Suckers are shoots that emerge from the roots of the plant and can quickly spread and form new plants. Smooth sumac is known to produce a large number of suckers, which can lead to the plant spreading rapidly and potentially taking over an area if not properly controlled.
I have personally seen smooth sumac take over large areas of land where it was initially planted as a single specimen. The suckers can quickly establish themselves and form a dense thicket, outcompeting other plants in the area. This can be problematic if you are looking to maintain a specific plant composition or if you have limited space in your garden.
In addition to its ability to produce suckers, smooth sumac also produces seeds that can be dispersed by birds and animals. This can further contribute to its aggressive spread, as the seeds can be carried over long distances and establish new plants in different areas. I have seen smooth sumac seedlings popping up in unexpected places, even several meters away from the parent plant.
While the aggressive nature of smooth sumac may be undesirable in some situations, it can also be advantageous in certain landscape designs. For example, if you have a large area that you want to naturalize or fill in quickly, smooth sumac can be a good choice. Its ability to spread and form dense thickets can provide habitat and food sources for wildlife, making it an attractive option for creating wildlife-friendly landscapes.
If you do decide to include smooth sumac in your garden, there are a few measures you can take to control its spread. Regular pruning can help to keep the plant in check and prevent the formation of dense thickets. Removing suckers as soon as they appear can also help to prevent the plant from spreading too aggressively.
Smooth sumac is indeed an aggressive plant that tends to spread rapidly through suckers and seeds. Its ability to form dense thickets can be both a benefit and a challenge, depending on your specific gardening goals and the available space. By understanding the plant’s behavior and implementing appropriate control measures, you can effectively manage its spread and enjoy the unique characteristics it brings to your landscape.
