Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
Also listed as Lobadium aromaticum
Also known as Aromatic Sumac, Lemon Sumac, Polecatbush
Climate Match for your location
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A low-maintenance native shrub valued for its fragrant, aromatic foliage and brilliant red fall color. It produces small red berries and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Why grow it
Fragrant sumac offers a compact native alternative to larger sumac species, reaching 2-4 feet in height and suitable for sites where full-size varieties would be excessive. Its aromatic crushed foliage and reliable fall color provide season-long interest with minimal fertilizer or pest management once established, making it practical for low-input landscapes in USDA zones 3-9.
Watch out for
Fragrant sumac spreads readily via rhizomes and self-seeding, so plan for containment in smaller gardens or near borders. While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from regular watering during their first growing season to develop a strong root system. The foliage, while aromatic to most people, can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals similar to poison ivy, so wear gloves when handling or pruning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-maintenance native shrub valued for its fragrant, aromatic foliage and brilliant red fall color. It produces small red berries and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Fragrant Sumac grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Fragrant sumac offers a compact native alternative to larger sumac species, reaching 2-4 feet in height and suitable for sites where full-size varieties would be excessive. Its aromatic crushed foliage and reliable fall color provide season-long interest with minimal fertilizer or pest management once established, making it practical for low-input landscapes in USDA zones 3-9.
Watch out for
Fragrant sumac spreads readily via rhizomes and self-seeding, so plan for containment in smaller gardens or near borders. While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from regular watering during their first growing season to develop a strong root system. The foliage, while aromatic to most people, can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals similar to poison ivy, so wear gloves when handling or pruning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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