It occurs throughout Missouri. This native but sometimes aggressive shrub occurs in clumps or colonies and spreads by seeds and rootstocks. It flowers from late May until mid-August. Seeds are formed by September. It sprouts easily, grows rapidly, and aboveground stems are relatively short-lived while roots persist and form new stems.
Smooth sumac is known to shade and replace prairie plants and endangered species.
It is one of the primary woody invaders that moves into prairies and loess hill prairies in Missouri, where its dense colonies eliminate other native species. Control Recommendations Recommended Practices in Natural Communities of High Quality Managers first must decide what part of the population should be removed. In general, sumac should be left in ravines and draws within prairie communities. It should not be eliminated totally from communities where it is a natural component, but should be controlled where it has invaded or spread to the detriment of other native vegetation. Stems should be cut with an axe, lopper, or harp blade in July or shortly after flowering.