Smooth sumac for birds in Vermont
Red fruit heads hang on through winter. Native to Vermont, where it feeds or shelters 26 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rhus glabra
- Native status
- Native in Vermont
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Vermont birds supported
- 26
- Nesting birds among them
- 24
Growing conditions in Vermont
Humid continental, with the Green Mountains and the Champlain Valley.
Short, mild summers.
Vermont birds that use Smooth sumac
Year-round residents (10)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay
Summer breeders (14)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Towhee, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (2)
Long, snowy winters.
Nesting season it supports in Vermont
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 — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- House Finch — 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
Native plants to pair with Smooth sumac in Vermont
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Smooth sumac native to Vermont?
Yes. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is recorded as native in Vermont. Vermont spans USDA 3b–5b.
What birds does Smooth sumac attract in Vermont?
In Vermont, Smooth sumac supports 26 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Smooth sumac help nesting birds in Vermont?
24 of those birds nest in Vermont: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July).
Which winter birds use Smooth sumac in Vermont?
Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Vermont during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Vermont
- 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.