How to identify Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)

How to identify Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)

Fragrant sumac, also known as Basket bush

Fragrant sumac is a versatile shrub that grows 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm) tall and spans 6 to 10 feet (180 to 300 cm) wide, often adopting a low, spreading groundcover form. It has multi-stemmed, rambling branches with zigzag-shaped, pubescent stems when young, maturing to a textured, reddish-brown bark with a gray tint. Its trifoliate leaves are glossy green to bluish-green, with the terminal leaf notably larger than the side ones, and all possess coarse teeth and emit a lemony aroma upon crushing. In early spring, 1-inch (2.5 cm) short spikes of yellowish-green flowers develop, distinguishing between male catkins and female panicles. By late summer, 0.25-inch (6 mm) hairy, bright red drupes form, providing interest and wildlife value.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Fragrant sumac

Trifoliate leaves emit lemony aroma when crushed, terminal leaf larger. (Leaf)

Stems start pubescent, turn reddish-brown with gray tint. Irregular zigzag branching. (Stem)

Short spikes of yellowish-green flowers in early spring. Male catkins, female panicles. (Flower)

Bright red, 0.25-inch hairy drupes with hard seed inside. June-August. (Fruit)

Spread 6-10 feet wide, 2-6 feet tall versatile, textured shrub. (Whole plant)

Detailed Traits of Fragrant sumac

Leaf Features

The leaves of fragrant sumac are alternate and trifoliate, featuring three leaflets. They are glossy green to bluish-green, with coarsely toothed, ovate shapes and rounded bases. The terminal leaflet measures 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) long, while the lateral leaflets are oblique and half this size. The upper surface is smooth or finely pubescent, and the underside is sparsely pubescent to softly hairy. Leaves emit a lemony scent when crushed and exhibit orange to reddish-purple hues in fall.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Fragrant sumac produces short spikes of flowers before its leaves appear. Each spike, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, features greenish-yellow, short-tubular flowers, each about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) in length. Blooming from March to April for 1-2 weeks, the plant displays both male and female flowers. Male flowers are catkins, while female flowers form in short clusters or panicles at branch tips. Some plants may also have unisexual or bisexual flowers.

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Stem Features

The stems of fragrant sumac are initially brown and pubescent with a woody texture, exhibiting a zigzag form and spreading branching pattern. As they age, the stems develop a gray coloration. Young stems are notably soft and covered in fine hairs, while older stems become sturdier and more prominently woody. Characterized by a distinct, irregular shape, these stems can grow to significant lengths, usually reaching up to 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), making them a notable feature for plant identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of fragrant sumac consists of hairy drupes that are ovoid in shape, measuring approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) in diameter. As they mature, they exhibit a vivid red hue. Nestled within each drupe is a single stone, which is a hard-shelled seed. The texture of these fruits is notable for the fine hairs covering their surface. These drupes are present during the months of June through August, providing a seasonal splash of color.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Fragrant sumac and Their Similar Plants

Staghorn sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

The dried bobs of the staghorn sumac are occasionally used by beekeepers for their smokers. Except for the roots, all parts of the plant can be used to make dyes or dye mordants; the tannins in the sap help prevent the dye colors from fading. Luna moth caterpillars feed on Rhus typhina, and pheasants and wild turkeys pick at the fruits.

Smooth sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.

Chinese sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

Chinese sumac is a tiny tree with downy stems and leaves that turn red and drop in fall. The plant is widespread in east and south Asia and is used as an ornamental. The fruits are edible, and the tree is a source of tannins and oil. The gall produced by this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Lemonade Berry vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is a shrub that’s native to California, both on the coast and in the southwestern part of the state. Candles and brown dye can be made with lemonade Berry's tannin-rich oil, and the wood from a fully-grown plant is often used for kindling.

Skunk-bush sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

The leaves of the skunk-bush sumac (Rhus trilobata) have a pungent smell, hence its name. The berries provide food for animals and birds in winter. Many of those creatures also make use of skunk-bush sumac as shelter. The flexible branches can be woven into baskets.

Sugar Bush vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

The resilient sugar Bush is often one of the few structures left standing after a fire. These bushes are very drought tolerant (at least after the first year) and flourish with only occasional rainfall. The sugar Bush grows naturally in canyons and chaparral and has aromatic foliage and red fruit.

Evergreen sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

Evergreen sumac is a shrub that is native to areas of the United States. Its blossoms and fruit attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Its sun-cured leaves were supposedly blended with tobacco for smoking, and its fruit was once used to prepare a drink by the Comanche Indians.

False poison sumac vs. Fragrant sumac: What's The Difference?

False poison sumac is a rare deciduous shrub, esteemed for its clusters of cream-colored flowers and vibrant red autumn foliage. Thriving in sandy woodlands, its low-growing, colony-forming habit showcases resilience against wildfires, embellished by distinctive red berries that beckon birds. This hardy species is a beacon of survival and regeneration in its native habitat.

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Key Facts About Fragrant sumac

Attributes of Fragrant sumac

Spread

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Purple

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Fruit Color

Red

Burgundy

Stem Color

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Fragrant sumac

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Cashew

Genus

Sumacs

Species

Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)

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Distribution Map of Fragrant sumac

Fragrant sumac is native to North America, specifically the eastern parts of Canada and the United States. It has been introduced into Uzbekistan and Tadjikistan. In the wild, it grows in open, scrubby ecosystems like cliffs, upland woods, fields, and barrens.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Fragrant sumac

A Comprehensive Guide to Fragrant sumac How to Grow and Care for Fragrant sumac