Rhus aromatica
fragrant sumac
Overview
Rhus aromatica is a deciduous shrub in the Anacardiaceae reaching 2-6 feet (60-180 cm) tall and spreading 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide through low branches that root where they touch soil. The compound leaves bear three leaflets, each 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, and release a citrus-like scent when crushed. Yellow flowers open in small clusters in early spring, before or with the emerging foliage, on separate male and female plants. Female plants form clusters of red, hairy drupes about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across that ripen in late summer and persist into winter. Foliage turns orange, red, and purple in autumn. The species spreads by suckering and by layering, which extends a colony beyond its original position and calls for periodic removal where a defined edge is wanted. It tolerates dry, rocky soils and exposed sites, but sets fruit only on female plants, so a single specimen may bear no drupes. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, it grows in full sun to partial shade and withstands drought once established. The aromatic foliage and dense, spreading habit suit groundcover and bank-stabilizing roles across central and eastern North America.
Native Range
Rhus aromatica is native to central and eastern North America, ranging from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to the Great Plains. It grows in dry woodlands, rocky slopes, prairies, and open glades.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover on slopes and banks for erosion control, as an informal hedge, and in naturalized or native plantings. The 6-10 foot (1.8-3 m) spread suits open sites rather than confined beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 6'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers open in early spring, typically March to April, before or as the leaves emerge. Individual clusters are small, about 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across and held at branch tips. Flowering lasts roughly two weeks, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, turning orange, red, and purple in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Rhus aromatica grows in full sun to partial shade and adapts to sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Established plants tolerate drought and need little supplemental water. Sharp drainage matters, since the roots decline in waterlogged ground. The species spreads by suckers and by branches that root on contact, forming colonies over time. Digging out rooted runners limits spread where a defined border is wanted. Plants have low fertility needs and rarely require feeding in average garden soil.Pruning
Prune in early spring before new growth to remove dead wood and shape the shrub. Cutting older stems to the base renews dense, low growth. Rooted suckers can be dug out through the season to hold the colony width in check.Pruning Schedule
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F
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early spring