TD Tree BeeForests Canada

Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Troy Evans, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bugwood.org

Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

Native

Fragrant Sumac is a slow growing shrub that typically grows 2-4 meters tall. It is native to North America and can be found in Southern Ontario. Fragrant sumac prefers upland open woods, fields and rocky cliffs. It is used as a ground cover, and an excellent shrub for stabilizing banks and slopes. The leaves and stems have a citrus fragrance when crushed. It is often confused with poison ivy, but poison ivy is not fragrant and inhabits more diverse habitats.

Leaf

Compound-trifoliate, with middle leaflet being the largest of the three. Bright yellow to red-purple in the fall.

Fruit/Seed

Female trees have small, round, red, hairy fruits. Fruits appear in July or August.

Flower

Yellow flower clusters. Flowers in March or April.

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158Species

Fragrant Sumac | Tree Bee