Manitoba · Shrub

Smooth sumac for birds in Manitoba

Red fruit heads hang on through winter. Native to Manitoba, where it feeds or shelters 25 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Rhus glabra
Native status: Native in Manitoba
Hardiness zones: Canada 1a–3b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries
Manitoba birds supported: 25
Nesting birds among them: 25

Growing conditions in Manitoba

Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.

Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.

Manitoba birds that use Smooth sumac

Nesting season it supports in Manitoba

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Smooth sumac:

Eastern Bluebird — May–August
Purple Finch — June–July
American Robin — May–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
Baltimore Oriole — June–July
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Gray Catbird — June–July
Brown Thrasher — May–July

Native plants to pair with Smooth sumac in Manitoba

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Vine

Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.

Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Highbush cranberry

Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.

Frequently asked

Is Smooth sumac native to Manitoba?

Yes. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is recorded as native in Manitoba. Manitoba spans Canada 1a–3b.

What birds does Smooth sumac attract in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, Smooth sumac supports 25 backyard birds, including Eastern Bluebird, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker.

Does Smooth sumac help nesting birds in Manitoba?

25 of those birds nest in Manitoba: Eastern Bluebird (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July), American Robin (May–July), White-throated Sparrow (June–July).

Sources

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.