Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

Anacardiaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced

Last updated

Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a broadleaf deciduous shrub in the Anacardiaceae family native to eastern North America from Vermont and Ontario to eastern South Dakota, south to Texas and Florida. It reaches 2-6 ft tall (5 ft at 20 years) with a rounded, multiple-stem form. Yellow flowers appear in 2-inch clusters followed by red fruit, and the coarse foliage turns red in fall.

Fragrant sumac is hardy in zones 3a-8b and prefers full sun with adaptable soil drainage (pH 5.0-8.0) and low water needs, requiring a minimum 24-inch root depth. One cultivar is available in the trade. The fruit has a high edibility rating (4/5). Possible skin rash from contact is reported but unsubstantiated.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height
2–6 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Size at 20 yr
5 ft
Lifespan
Long-lived

Site Requirements

Light
Full Sun
Soil Drainage
Adaptable
Soil pH
5.0-8.0
Water
Low
Drought Tolerance
High
Hardiness
Zones 3a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time
April
Fall Color
Red
Origin
from Vermont and Ontario to eastern South Dakota, south to

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (8 stages)
Stage Typical Window
Bud break BBCH 07 Feb 15-Mar 15
Leaf emergence BBCH 11 Mar 1-Apr 1
Bloom start BBCH 61 Apr 1-Apr 30
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 Apr 15-May 15
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 Jun 1-Aug 31
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 Sep 1-Nov 30
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 Oct 1-Nov 15
Dormancy BBCH 97 Nov 15-Feb 28
Cultivars (2)
'Gro Low'
Common name: Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac; Mature height: 2–3 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 3
'Gro-Low'
Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.