Smooth sumac for birds in Arizona
Red fruit heads hang on through winter. Native to Arizona, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rhus glabra
- Native status
- Native in Arizona
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–10b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Arizona birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 27
Growing conditions in Arizona
Hot Sonoran and Mojave deserts in the south and west, with pine-oak sky islands and the Colorado Plateau rising above 7,000 ft.
Summer highs above 110°F in Phoenix and Tucson make water the single strongest attractant; the July monsoon triggers a second breeding pulse.
Arizona birds that use Smooth sumac
Year-round residents (18)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, European Starling, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Band-tailed Pigeon, Cactus Wren
Summer breeders (9)
Gray Catbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, White-winged Dove, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (2)
Low deserts stay mild and host many wintering sparrows and hummingbirds; the high country gets snow.
Nesting season it supports in Arizona
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Smooth sumac:
- Northern Cardinal — March–August
- Eastern Bluebird — March–August
- House Finch — March–August
- American Robin — March–July
- Northern Flicker — March–June
- Gray Catbird — April–July
- Northern Mockingbird — February–August
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — April–July
- European Starling — March–June
- Juniper Titmouse — March–June
Native plants to pair with Smooth sumac in Arizona
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Frequently asked
Is Smooth sumac native to Arizona?
Yes. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is recorded as native in Arizona. Arizona spans USDA 4b–10b.
What birds does Smooth sumac attract in Arizona?
In Arizona, Smooth sumac supports 29 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Gray Catbird.
Does Smooth sumac help nesting birds in Arizona?
27 of those birds nest in Arizona: Northern Cardinal (March–August), Eastern Bluebird (March–August), House Finch (March–August), American Robin (March–July).
Which winter birds use Smooth sumac in Arizona?
Winter visitors Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush use it in Arizona during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Arizona
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.