Form: This is a small tree reaching 5-20 ft. in height with spreading branches.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; pinnately compound; 12-24" long; 13-25 leaflets

Shape: lanceolate

Margin: serrate

Texture: glabrous above and pubescent below

 

Bark: The bark has a red-brown tint. It is smooth when young and slightly scaly with age. It is also lenticellate.

Twigs and buds: Twigs are glabrous and stout and have small rounded buds.

Flowers and fruit: It's white flowers are dioecious.

Distinguishing characteristics: It has a reddish petiole reddish that contains a sticky sap.

Range: It can be found throughout the eastern United States.

Silvics: Smooth sumac is intolerant of shade. It is common on dry upland sites, along woods borders, and in small openings. 

Ecological and cultural importance: It is the most common of sumacs. The wood is not commercially valuable.