Rhus glaba
Smooth Sumach
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Rhus glaba.
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Fruit, Oil, Stems, Root
Dye, Hedge, Oil, Pioneer species, Windbreak, Wood, Bee forage
Description
Fruits of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked and have a sour taste, making them suitable as a substitute for lemon juice. The fruits are small with little pulp, but the clusters they grow on are large and easy to harvest. If the fruits are soaked in hot or cold water for 10 to 30 minutes, a refreshing drink similar to lemonade is produced. It is not recommended to boil this drink, as this releases tannins, making it too sharp in flavor. The root of the plant can be peeled and eaten raw. The young shoots can also be peeled and eaten raw. The bark of the plant is eaten by some children as a candy, but the sap can cause skin rashes in some people. Little is known about this reaction, so it is advisable to be cautious when handling this plant.