Fragrant Sumac

Fragrant Sumac [1]

Common Name:

Fragrant Sumac

Scientific Name Genus:

Rhus

Family Name:

Anacardiaceae

Identification Notes

Easy to grow. Prefers dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but not poorly drained. Drought tolerant. Although related to poison ivy (Rhus radicans), Rhus aromatica is not poisonous.

Native Habitat

Native to eastern North America. Hardy zones 3-9.

Growth Habit

Dense, low-growing shrub that spreads by root suckers. Grows 2-4' tall and spread to 10' wide.

Leaves

Trifoliate, coarsely toothed, ovate leaves 3-5" long in an alternate arrangement. Aromatic when crushed. Pubescent underside.

Glossy medium green turns shades or orange, red, and purple in the fall.

Leaves resemble poison ivy, but are smaller.

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Bark and Stems

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Flowers

Blooms in early spring before leaves on the ends of stems.

Tiny yellow flowers. Separate male (catkins) and female flowers (clusters).

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Fruit

Hairy, red drupes on female plants. Mature in August and persists into fall. Terminal panicles.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Can be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, scale, aphids, and mites. Nipple galls on foliage can be a problem but generally only cosmetic issue.

Varieties or Cultivars

'Gro-low' - very common cultivar. Frequently found in trade. Similar to species but growing 1.5-2' tall and 6-8' wide.

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Landscape Uses

Best used in groups as a groundcover, to stabilize banks, or for difficult areas with poor soils. Better in naturalistic areas or woodland edge.

Rhus aromatica Gro-low in flower as groundcover.

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