shrubN. America Native

Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Very low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic; not poisonous like its relative, poison ivy.

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhus aromatica is a low-growing, spreading, deciduous shrub native to a large portion of North America. It is known for its three-parted leaves which are aromatic when bruised and its incredible adaptability and toughness. This species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Female plants produce fuzzy red berries that persist into winter, providing food for wildlife. Its fall color is a brilliant mix of orange, red, and purple.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Fragrant Sumac is a superb landscape plant for its multi-season interest. It has small yellow flowers in early spring, handsome deep green foliage in summer, and one of the most reliable and spectacular fall color displays of any shrub, turning brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple. Female plants have attractive fuzzy red berries.

Its greatest practical use is for covering difficult areas. It thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun, making it perfect for stabilizing banks, covering rocky slopes, and planting in tough urban conditions where other plants fail. Its suckering habit creates a dense, weed-suppressing mat.

As a native plant, it offers significant wildlife value. The early spring flowers are an important food source for native bees. The red berries are eaten by over 50 species of birds, including grouse and wild turkeys, throughout the fall and winter. It also provides cover for small animals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in sun or shade; it is highly adaptable.
It thrives in poor, dry, rocky, or sandy soils.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with native soil.
Water after planting to settle the soil.
No mulch or fertilizer is necessary; it prefers lean conditions.

Pro Tip

Give it space to spread. It suckers to form a dense colony, which is its strength for erosion control and massing.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it on a difficult slope where nothing else will grow.
Crush a leaf to enjoy its citrusy, spicy fragrance.
Allow it to sucker and form a natural thicket.
Enjoy the spectacular fall color display.
Use it in parking lot medians or other harsh urban sites.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small, formal garden bed unless you plan to control its spread.
Avoid overwatering or planting in constantly wet, boggy soil.
Don't fertilize; this can lead to weak growth.
Don't confuse it with Poison Ivy; Fragrant Sumac has fuzzy red berries and aromatic leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exceptional choice for stabilizing banks and slopesTough groundcover for difficult, dry sitesNaturalistic planting for brilliant fall color

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Echinacea purpurea Juniperus horizontalis Coreopsis verticillata Amorpha canescens (Lead Plant)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fragrant Sumac questions

What zones can Fragrant Sumac grow in?

Fragrant Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fragrant Sumac deer resistant?

Yes — Fragrant Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fragrant Sumac bloom?

Fragrant Sumac typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fragrant Sumac need full sun?

Fragrant Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fragrant Sumac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fragrant Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.