Smooth Sumac vs Falsebox - TreeTime.ca

Smooth Sumac vs Falsebox

Rhus glabra

Paxistima myrsinites

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Smooth Sumac
Falsebox

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.

Falsebox is a native evergreen shrub found in forests, slopes, and rocky sites. Its greenery adds winter interest and provides cover to wildlife. It is used to provide ground cover, especially under established trees.

It provides shelter for small animals and birds and its inconspicuous flowers support pollinators. It is long-lived and tolerant of a range of conditions, including drought once established.

Falsebox is well suited for naturalisation projects, erosion control, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. It is a practical addition to restoration plantings and mixed shrub communities.

Smooth Sumac Quick Facts

Falsebox Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: prostrate to spreading
Spreading: layering - medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: long, thin
Foliage: evergreen, leathery leaves
Fall colour: scarlet red
Bark: reddish-brown
Flowers: small, maroon-purple, fragrant
Bloom time: summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC, SK, MB, ON
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: false box, mountain boxwood, mountain lover, myrtle boxwood, oregon boxleaf, oregon boxwood