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Rhus glabra cis-montana
Common Name Dwarf smooth sumac
This is the plant for winter color in the garden. Large red edible berries remain on the shrub long after defoliation and make a nice contrast with winter snow. Smooth sumac usually gets no larger than about 2.5 meters. The serrated leaves are arranged pinnately, with anywhere from 4-8 pairs of opposite leaves. Throughout the intermountain west, north into Canada and east to the Atlantic coast. Elevation: 5,000 - 7,500ft. Moist, well drained soils. Zones 4 - 8. The cis-montana form is the form most suited for low-water landscapes as it only grows to 3-4', and has a sufficiently sparse crown of compound, glossy foliage that perennials can perform adequately in it shade. Turns a deep purplish-red in fall. Moderately common in trade. Cuttings can be taken from roots and suckers. Can be sown from seed or dug up and transplanted. To start seed indoors a hot water treatment is necessary. Soak seed in as hot as possible tap water for 72 hours. Rinse well and send to cold treatment for 90 to 120 days. Sow into container and cover to depth. This seed often has low rates of viability and if it is hand collected should be checked before any work is done to see if it is good. Using a pruning shear cut seed in half and look for the white embryo inside. Check up to ten seeds to estimate how many good seeds you have. The bad seed will float in water and may be discarded this way. Many other plants with large seeds can also be checked in this manner. |
A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. Aldo Leopold
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