Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac)

Fragrant sumac is a deciduous shrub with showy fall foliage in hues of orange, red, or purple. The common name refers to the lemon scent that leaves and stems emit when crushed. Yellow flowers bloom in clusters from March to April, usually opening before the plant's leaves do. Fuzzy red fruit on female plants is attractive in late summer and early fall. Mature size: 2–6' tall, 6–10' wide. Plant in full sun to part sun. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Coarse textured tri-lobed leaves are glossy blue-green in summer. Habit: irregular spreading shrub, suckers. Slow to medium growth rate. Good for massed plantings, wildlife gardens, and stabilizing banks.

Fragrant sumac is found in southern Canada and nearly all of the contiguous U.S. except peninsular Florida. It grows in a range of sites including open rocky woodlands, valley bottoms, and roadsides. It is often used in landscaping as a ground cover, especialy on banks. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The fruits become an important winter food for birds and small mammals and can remain on the plant until Spring if not eaten. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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