Most people won't need to start rhus glabra, also known as smooth sumac, from seed, as it is one of the most common wild shrubs in the U.S., growing in all 48 of the lower states. It produces greenish-white clusters of summer flowers and much more striking autumn cones of red berries. Some people like to brew a type of pink "lemonade" from the berries, and the fruits also make a popular winter snack for birds and animals.
Gather heads of sumac berries in the fall. Lay them on newspapers in a warm spot to dry.
Place the seed heads in a plastic grocery bag, once they are completely dry. Tie the bag shut, and bang it against a hard surface to separate the seeds from the berries.
Dump the seeds into a container of water. Skim off and discard all of those that float, as they are not viable.
Drain the viable seeds into a strainer held over a sink. Drop them into a blender. Cover the blender and run it briefly, for only 10 seconds or so, to scarify the seeds.
Return the seeds to the container and add hot water. Soak the seeds overnight. Check to make sure that they have swelled up.
Scarify the seeds again, if they haven't swelled, by nicking the edge of each seed with sharp craft knife. Soak them again overnight, and turn them out into a strainer to drain them.
Fill the flower pot with a damp mix of half peat and half perlite to within a half inch of the top. Sow the seeds on the surface and barely cover them with the mix.
Cap the pot with a piece of glass or plastic wrap to maintain moisture, and place it in a bright, warm place. Watch for germination, which can take several months.
Move the pot outside in early spring, if the seeds haven't germinated by then, to expose them to fluctuating temperatures. Place the pot in a protected spot in the corner of a fence or wall, and keep it covered to protect the seeds from rodents.
Things You Will Need
- Heads of sumac berries
- Plastic grocery bag
- Sharp craft knife
- Shallow plastic flower pot
- Piece of glass or plastic wrap
- Hardware cloth mesh (optional)
- Hold seeds with needle-nosed pliers, if nicking them with a knife, to avoid nicking your fingers as well.
- Be careful where you plant smooth sumac, as it is a very invasive species.
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