Rhus aromatica – Fragrant Sumac

General Information: A stout, suckering, native shrub with brilliant fall foliage and an amazing scent. The whole plant, but most notably the leaves, gives off a pleasant lemony scent when crushed. A perfect addition to sites that are prone to drying out, this plant tolerates dry soil very well. With three-season appeal, Fragrant Sumac makes for an excellent tall ground cover. The early Spring buds are a welcome sight in areas with long winters, the full Summer foliage densely fills in areas, and the autumn foliage is irresistibly eye-catching. In winter, these stout plants tend to blend into their surroundings well, being much less noticeable than when they are in leaf. Birds and small mammals benefit from any seeds that are produced. This species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, but our selections are unsexed. Males and females are only required if fruits are desired; they are not necessary for ornamental purposes. This plant is culturally significant to some Indigenous Peoples of North America, and is used as a food source, seasoning, and medicine.

Edible Qualities: The fruits, when present, are useful in much the same way as Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina). When soaked in cold water for a day they make a delicious lemonade-like beverage. The fruits and dried autumn leaves are also useful as a seasoning. When pulverized, they are a superb and versatile spice that adds flair to both sweet and savory dishes. This is one plant used by The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman as an Indigenous North American spice. A close relative, R. coriaria, is commercially grown and processed as Sumac powder, which is frequently used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. R. aromatica works just as well for a native substitute!

Cultivation Details: Grows well in most environments. Flowers inconspicuously from March-May. Give this plant room to spread. A quick-to-establish plant that sends out new shoots from root growth. Any branches that touch the ground will often take root. To speed up the spread, branches can be bent over and weighed down. Consider planting Fragrant Sumac in places with loose topsoil, as a hedgerow, along a foundation or fence, or as a specimen. Excellent for stabilizing slopes. Fragrant Sumac is also suitable for planting in the “hell strip” between roadways and sidewalks.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full to part sun. Prefers moist to dry soils. Tolerant of most soil types. Uniquely tolerant of nutritionally-poor soils. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.

Fun Facts: This plant is sometimes mistaken by hikers as Poison Oak or Poison Ivy. To differentiate Fragrant Sumac from Poison Oak or Poison Ivy, look at the central leaflet. The center leaflets of Poison Oak and Poison Ivy are connected to the lateral leaflets by a well-defined stalk known as a petiole. The center leaflet of Fragrant Sumac does not have a petiole and is instead connected to the lateral leaves by greenery and leaf veins.