Photo of Rhus aromatica foliage by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Photo by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Rhus aromatica

Also Known As

  • Fragrant Sumac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-6'
  • W: 6'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Rhus aromatica plant details

Rhus aromatica is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhus aromatica

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 2 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: fall color, fragrant, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhus aromatica

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This Sumac native to the southeastern U.S. and Canada has clouds of early small yellow flowers which appear on the stems tips in spring. Colorful, early scarlet fruits and intensely crimson fall color make this 3-6' tall by 6-10' wide shrub a much valued ornamental. Its toughness, spreading suckering roots, and dense foliage make it an excellent bank cover. S/M-D
The full size form of our Native, good for covering banks and massing as it spreads by suckers. Excellent glossy foliage turns shades of orange, red and purples in Autumn. Native to the Eastern half of the country. The leaves resemble those of poison ivy (Rhus radicans), however fragrant sumac is a totally non-poisonous plant. Male catkins form in late summer and persist through winter eventually blooming in spring. Female flowers appear in late summer and then produce small clusters of hairy, red berries which may persist into winter. Fruit is attractive to wildlife.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Rhus aromatica plant

How to Grow Rhus aromatica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Rhus for your garden

Scientific Name: Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger'

aka Rhus typhina 'Laciniata Gold Form', Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes', Laciniata Gold Form Staghorn Sumac, Staghorn Sumac

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 10'-15'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes® PP16185 foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Sugar Bush, Sugar Sumac

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-30'

Width: 7'-30'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Rhus ovata close-up, foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Skunkbush, Sour Berry, Three-leaf Sumac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus trilobata foliage, form, fruit by Stan Shebs
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aka Cut-Leaf Sumac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

2a-9b

Size

Height: 8'

Width: 8'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus glabra 'Laciniata' foliage by Conifer Kingdom
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aka Rhus pendulina, Rhus viminalis, Kareeboom Rosyne, Kareehout, River Karee, Rivierkaree, White Karee, Willow Karee, Witkaree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12'-25'

Width: 25'

  • sun
  • even moisture - low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Searsia pendulina foliage, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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