How Do You Spell RHUS GLABRA?

1. Rhus glabra, commonly known as smooth sumac, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats including fields, open woods, and roadsides.

   Smooth sumac typically grows up to 9-15 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet. It has a clump-forming habit, with multiple stems arising from a single base. The plant produces pinnately compound leaves, consisting of multiple leaflets arranged in pairs along a central axis. The leaflets are lance-shaped and glossy, giving the shrub its name "smooth" sumac.

   One of the most distinctive features of Rhus glabra is its stunning autumn foliage. The leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking display in the landscape. Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers bloom in dense clusters in late spring or early summer, followed by small, hairy, red berries. These berries persist throughout the winter and are an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

   Rhus glabra has a long history of traditional medicinal uses. Native American tribes utilized various parts of the plant for treating ailments such as diarrhea, sore throat, and skin rashes. The dried fruits were also used to make a refreshing, tart beverage called "sumac lemonade."

   In landscaping, smooth sumac is valued for its ornamental appeal and ability to establish in challenging conditions. It is often used in naturalized areas, erosion control projects, and as a border or screen plant. However, it should be noted that some caution is warranted as the plant can spread vigorously through suckering and may become invasive in certain regions.

2. Sumach, the fruit of Rhus glabra, smooth sumach; employed as an astringent in diarrhea in doses of gr. 5-15 (0.3-1.0), and in infusion as a gargle in chronic pharyngitis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for RHUS GLABRA

The word "Rhus glabra" is actually not a single word with a specific etymology. "Rhus" and "glabra" are two separate words with separate origins and meanings.

The term "Rhus" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "rhous" (ῥοῦς), which refers to the genus of flowering plants commonly known as sumac. The word "sumac" itself comes from the French word "sumac" or "sumach" and ultimately traces back to the Arabic word "summāq".

On the other hand, "glabra" is derived from the Latin word "glaber", meaning "hairless" or "smooth". It is commonly used in botanical taxonomy to denote plants or plant parts that lack hair or pubescence.