ExplorePlants

fragrant sumac

Rhus aromatica

Fragrant sumac is a small shrub with bright green leaves that smell sweet when you touch them. In the fall, its leaves turn beautiful shades of red and orange, making it a lovely sight in nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The fragrant sumac is a low-growing shrub with distinctive three-part leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in fall. It has clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers in spring, followed by fuzzy, bright red berries that persist into winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusRhus
fragrant sumac
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
fragrant sumac

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Crush its leaves and you'll smell a wonderfully fresh, lemony scent!

Its tart red berries are used to make a refreshing, pink 'sumac-ade' drink!

The fuzzy berries are called drupes and are packed with Vitamin C!

This super tough shrub can grow where other plants can't, like rocky, poor soil!

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Buster

Fragrant sumac has deep, spreading roots that help it find water and survive in very dry places.

Ability

Soil Anchor

Its extensive root system firmly holds soil in place, preventing erosion on slopes and hillsides.

Ability

Winter Snack Bar

Its bright red berries stay on the plant through winter, providing a vital food source for birds.

Measurements & details

Height
60-250 cm
Spread
120-300 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is fragrant sumac?

60-250 cm

How wide does fragrant sumac spread?

120-300 cm

How big are the flowers on fragrant sumac?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does fragrant sumac bloom?

Spring

Is fragrant sumac edible?

Yes

Is fragrant sumac toxic?

None

What is fragrant sumac's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is fragrant sumac pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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