Fragrant Sumac

General
Scientific Name: Rhus aromatica
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew)
Hardiness: Zone 4
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub
Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: >7’
Longevity: Medium
Power Line: Yes
Ornamental
Flowers: Yellow
Fruit: Red, hairy
Fall Color: Yellow to red

Spreading shrub with branches turning up at the tip. Tends to form a dense mass of stems and leaves. Good for bank stabilization. Fragrant aromatic leaves, particularly when crushed. Yellow catkinlike flowers. Native to the eastern U.S., as far west as Minnesota.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Moderately drought tolerant.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide variety of soils.

Excellent to use as fast cover for banks, cuts and fills. This plant develops roots anywhere the stems touch the ground so it could be used to stabilize banks or slightly sloping areas.

If planting becomes overgrown it can easily be rejuvenated with a large mower, brush hog or other mower along with pruning.

‘Gro-Low’ fragrant sumac- Low wide-spreading habit with excellent glossy foliage.

Credits: Tree Selector Website, North Dakota Tree Handbook, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants 6th edition.