| Classification Hierarchy | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Tracheophyta |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass | Rosidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhus |
| Species | Rhus glabra |
Smooth sumac is a shrub or small tree. It is common in Iowa and frequently forms thickets recognizable from a distance. Individuals are rarely over 15 ft. tall. In late summar the fruits can be seen as panicles of red drupes at the tops of the plants.
Fact Sheet (pdf), Plant Guide (pdf).
Additional pictures: 1, 2.
There are at least 20 species of Rhus in the U.S. Four are recognized in Iowa:
R. glabra (Smooth),
R. typhina (Staghorn),
R. aromatica (Aromatic),
R.copallina (Winged), and
SEE ALSO: Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) which has not been identified in Iowa.
Flowers: June; yellow; 5 petals, 5 stamen.
Fruit: drupe, in compact clusters; orange/red, short appressed hairs.
Leaves: compound; odd-pinnate, dark above, light below; stems and petioles glabrous.
Glossary: Botanical Terms pdf
Comment: In image 12 above, the structure labeled seed may be better described as the germination unit consisting of the seed and the endocarp of the fruit. As development proceeds the endocarp becomes impermeable and prevents water uptake by the embryo. The seed becomes dormant upon desiccation. Li, Comparative Morphology And Physiology Of Fruit And Seed Development In The Two Shrubs Rhus Aromatica And R. Glabra (Anacardiaceae) American Journal of Botany 86(9): 1217–1225.