Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac)

A genuine erosion-control workhorse for the toughest slopes and banks, fragrant sumac serves as the confirmed larval host for the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly while offering documented special value to native bees - all wrapped in a shrub notably unrelated to its rash-inducing poison sumac cousin.

Species Overview

Rhus aromatica, commonly called fragrant or aromatic sumac, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, typically growing 3 to 10 feet tall with a dense, rounded, spreading canopy. Its trifoliate leaves release a distinctive citrus-like fragrance when crushed, with small yellow-green flowers in early spring giving way to bright red, berry-like drupes.

Application

• Erosion control on slopes, banks, and roadcuts
• Dry, rocky, poor-soil restoration - thrives where other plants struggle
• Larval host habitat for the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly
• Special-value native bee habitat - nectar source and nesting structure

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry to average soils; highly adaptable, tolerates poor and rocky conditions
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; March-May
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry, rocky-to-sandy-soil groundcover sumac; not tolerant of standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous groundcover
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Polygamodioecious (mostly separate-sex plants with occasional bisexual flowers) - plant at least two or three shrubs to improve fruiting odds. Leaves resemble poison ivy but lack a stalked central leaflet, a reliable way to distinguish the two.