Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 
Fragrant sumac, also called aromatic sumac, is a shrub found over much of the state. It usually occurs in thickets and the fruit, which ripens in the late spring or early summer, is eaten by many species of birds. The trifoliolate leaves are sometimes confused with poison-ivy but this is not a poisonous plant. Fragrant sumac can be used as a deciduous hedge or screen in landscaping.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 8 ft
- Spread
- 12 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, compound, with 3 leaflets; each leaflet 1" - 3" long, egg-shaped, coarsely toothed, medium green
- Flowers
- small, yellow, blooming in March or April
- Fruit
- small, hairy, red berries in clusters; maturing in July or August
- Bark
- smooth with conspicuous lenticles, red brown
- Associated species
- persimmon, hawthorn, eastern redcedar
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, windbreaks, erosion, food
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
