Family - Anacardiaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Notice the serrate leaflets.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Flower close-up.

Flowering - May - July.

Habitat - Upland prairies, thickets, glades, fields, openings in woods, roadsides, railroads.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This shrubby tree can be found throughout Missouri. The plant is very common in many of the habitats mentioned above.
Traditionally this species was used heavily by natives to remedy many ailments. The leaves were once boiled and made into a tea to help remedy asthma, diarrhea, and dysentery. A root tea was used as a diuretic. The berries of this plant can be boiled and made into a tasty tea.
A similar plant, R. typhina L., is an introduced species which is commonly cultivated throughout the state. R. typhina has serrate leaflets like R. glabra but it has densely pubescent stems and twigs. The stems and twigs of R. glabra are, obviously, glabrous.

Photographs taken at Dave Rock Conservation Area, St. Clair County, MO., 6-7-03.