Rhus aromatica
Common name: Fragrant Sumac
The “fragrant” in fragrant sumac refers to the odor that is released from crushing the stems or leaves, or standing next to it. Whether or not that odor is a pleasant one could be debated! Does best on warm, dry sites with lots of sun, but it is surprisingly adaptable to light shade. Part of the Black Oak Savanna complex. Fall color is an excellent reddish-orange with bright red fruit. A great companion plant for upright or vertical plants because of its layering habit. For this reason, it is also a great habitat providing plant.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Shrub
Soil type
Dry, Dry Mesic, Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry)
Light exposure
Full Sun
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Harsh Exposure Tolerant, Road-side/Salt Tolerant
Habitat
Prairie Grasslands, Sandy Soils, Savannas
Growth form
Shrubby/Clump, Colonizing / Spreading
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Green
Fall color
Red Orange
Size
- Mature height
- 5 Feet
- Mature width
- 4 Feet
- Max height
- 8 Feet
- Max width
- 10 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Pollinator hot spot