Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra

Edible plant

Native American

Photo credit: Eric Hunt

Safety information

Toxicity: Low for R. glabra/typhina (the red, upright-fruited sumacs). Critical: must NOT be confused with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which has white/green drooping berries and causes severe dermatitis.

Contraindications: High tannin — caution in large amounts/GI sensitivity.

Interactions: Tannins may impair iron/drug absorption.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

poultice · leaf

Part used: leaf

Evidence:Folk

decoction (bark/root) · bark

Part used: bark

Traditional use: diarrhea, mouth sores, gargle(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)

Evidence:Folk

cold/warm infusion of berries ('sumac-ade') · fruit

Part used: fruit

Traditional use: fevers, sore throat, refreshing astringent drink ('Indian lemonade')

Proposed mechanism: high in tannins, gallic/ascorbic acids, anthocyanins (astringent, antioxidant)

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

mouth sores Sore throat Fever Diarrhoea

Edibility

Edible parts: Ripe red berry clusters (steeped cold for a tart vitamin-C drink; the culinary spice 'sumac').

Toxic lookalike warning

Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) has WHITE drooping berries and is dangerous — only the red, erect-clustered sumacs are edible.

Nutritional notes

Berries: vitamin C, malic acid, polyphenols, anthocyanins.

Healing traditions

Native American

Sources (2)

USDA NRCS (Rhus glabra)
Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany

All sources →