| PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 11 |
Rhus aromatica - Fragrant Sumac
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| The leaf is 2-5 inches long a trifoliate. Each leaflet is ovate in shape and has an irregularly-toothed margin. Image: J.S. Peterson © USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database | Female plants produce red drupe fruit that persist into winter. |
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| Yellow catkins form in the spring. Image; Jeff McMillian © USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database | The fall color is a mixture of of oranges and reds. |
Plant Description
Rhus aromatica, or Oak Brush or Fragrant Sumac, is a hardy and fast-growing low-growing deciduous shrub. It grows 2-6 feet tall and spreads up to 10 feet wide. The spreading branches grow low to the ground and arch up slightly at the ends. It is tolerant of almost any setting that it is used in regardless of soil or moisture conditions. It prefers to grow in full sun but will also grow in almost complete shade.
The 2-5 inch long leaves are trifoliate, being composed of three separate leaflets. Each leaflet is ovate in shape with an irregularly rounded-toothed margin. The leaves are a glabrous dark green on the top, and mildly pubescent on the underside. In the fall the leaves turn a brilliant mixture of oranges and dark reds. The leaves have a fragrant odor, particularly noticeable when crushed.
Small yellowish catkins form on the plant in the early spring. The catkins on the male plant are slightly longer than those on the female plant. Female plants produce small and pubescent red drupe fruits that will persist on the plant into winter.
Landscape Use
Use it as a ground cover in dry locations such as rock gardens or on steep slopes. It is especially useful for soil stabilization along slopes.
Points of Interest
Like other species of Sumac, Rhus aromatica can become problematic due to its suckering, although it has been reported to sucker less than Rhus aromatica or typhina.
Notable Cultivars
Gro-low
The most widely available cultivar of the species, and a female. The fall color is exceptional.
Rhus trilobata - Oak Brush or Skunkbush Sumac
Very closely related to Rhus aromatica. It has slightly smaller leaves, but they are very pungent and have a strong foul odor.
