Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
Courtesy Campbell and Lynn Loughmiller, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Summary
This deciduous, native shrub offers many benefits, including glossy, aromatic foliage with beautiful fall color. It’s tough, to0– tolerant to drought, erosion, juglone, rabbits, and poor soils. It’s especially useful as a ground cover on steep slopes or embankments, where its low, spreading growth habit helps to stabilize soil It’s smaller and less aggressive than its relatives, smooth sumac and staghorn sumac.
More Details
FAMILY
Anacardiaceae (Sumac)
BLOOM TIME
April-May
FLOWER
yellow
MATURE SIZE
5-8 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun to shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
Dry to moist, well drained
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
Fragrant sumac is a host plant for the spring azure and several hairstreak butterflies, and is of special value for native bees and honey bees. Its fruit is an important winter food for birds, including turkey, ruffed grouse, robins, and flickers, and for various small mammals (e.g., raccoon, opossum, chipmunk). It forms thickets which provide cover for many of these species as well.