Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
A tough, native shrub prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and brilliant orange-red fall color that rivals any maple. Small yellow flowers appear before the leaves in early spring, followed by red berries that attract birds. This adaptable groundcover shrub thrives in difficult sites where other plants struggle, making it perfect for slopes and naturalized areas.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Fragrant Sumac in USDA Zone 7
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Fragrant Sumac · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: 'Gro-low'Great for slopes and erosion control; plant is under 3 feet tall but spreads about 8 feet 'Konza'Disease resistant, superior growth form, and wildlife cover, 'Gro-low', 'Konza'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Following the flowers, the female flower produces hairy drupes. They are ovoid, 0.25 inches in diameter, and turn red as they ripen. Each drupe contains a stone. The drupes are present from June to August.
Color: Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: North America--Eastern Canada to Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Erosion, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife Cover/Habitat, Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: The flower nectar attracts butterflies and Luna moths. Turkey, ruffed grouse, robins, and flickers, as well as small mammals like raccoons, possums, and chipmunks feed on the berries. This shrub provides cover for small mammals and birds.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Little Bluestem Grass
Native prairie grass that shares similar drought tolerance and soil preferences
Purple Coneflower
Both are native plants that attract beneficial insects and thrive in similar conditions
Wild Bergamot
Native companion that attracts pollinators and has complementary bloom times
Serviceberry
Similar native shrub that provides wildlife habitat and has compatible root systems
Spicebush
Native understory shrub that thrives in similar partial shade conditions
Wild Columbine
Early spring bloomer that complements fragrant sumac's early flowering period
Red Oak
Provides beneficial dappled shade and both are native woodland edge species
Native Sedges
Complement the sumac's root system and provide ground cover without competition
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including sumac species
Autumn Olive
Aggressive invasive shrub that outcompetes native sumac for resources
Tree of Heaven
Invasive tree that releases allelopathic chemicals inhibiting native plant growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very few pest or disease issues
Common Pests
Scale insects (rare), aphids (occasional)
Diseases
Generally disease-free