Water Birch (Red Birch) vs Smooth Sumac - TreeTime.ca

Water Birch (Red Birch) vs Smooth Sumac

Betula occidentalis

Rhus glabra

ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

no image
no image

Water Birch, also known as Red Birch, is a waterside plant native to western North America. This multi-stemmed species is ideal for wetlands. It tolerates being planted in heavy clay and wet soil conditions.

This tree grows small enough for yards with limited space.

It is an attractive ornamental with reddish non-peeling bark.

Note: Unfortunately this difficult to grow species is not currently scheduled to grow at TreeTime.ca. Perhaps try purchasing seed from SeedTime.ca and growing your own? Or sign up for a restock notification above.

Smooth Sumac is an excellent shrub for both its ornamental appeal and tolerance of difficult planting sites. You'll love the attractive pyramidal spikes of hairy, red berries that emerge on female plants and the fern-like foliage that covers both male and female varieties.

Ensure you give Smooth Sumac enough space to spread out due to its high suckering nature. While not ideal for small, urban yards, this shrub will make a stunning border along a woodland edge or roadside.

Note:These plants typically reach maturity and make their sex easily known (females producing fruit) in their 3rd or 4th year of growth. Our seedlings are too young to identify their sex.

Water Birch (Red Birch) Quick Facts

Smooth Sumac Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: scarlet red
Bark: non-peeling, shiny, reddish brown and marked with white horizontal streaks
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: high




Other Names: red birch