Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a groundcover or structural shrub with yellow blooms in early spring, red fruit through the growing season, and showy fall foliage. They prefer sun to part sun in dry soil where they grow anywhere from 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on variety. They are a good choice for the banks of larger bioretenion. Companion plants include Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata) and Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Maintenance

Prune to shape, reduce height, and remove dead wood in late winter. Spreads by root suckers. If it starts to move into an unwanted area, cut and remove the sucker.

About

Light Requirements
Sun, Part Sun
Moisture Requirements
Banks
Soil Requirements
Rock, Sand
Height
Short, Medium, Tall
Spacing
3 to 4 feet
Category
Groundcover, Structural
Attracts
Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native, Indiana Native
Bloom Time
April
Bloom Color
Yellow
Seasonality
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5, Groups of 10-20
Other Notable Cultivars & Varieties
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'