Family: Anacardiaceae
Author: Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 1: 367 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to Mexico
Description
Aromatic sumac, known scientifically as Rhus aromatica, is a fascinating member of the Anacardiaceae family. First documented thoroughly in 1789 by the esteemed botanist Aiton in his work “Hortus Kewensis” (Volume 1, Page 367), this plant has captivated botanists and horticulturists alike for centuries.
This deciduous shrub is native to a broad geographical range, stretching from eastern Canada down to Mexico. Its adaptability to different soil types and climates makes it a resilient addition to a variety of landscapes.
One of the most notable features of the aromatic sumac is its fragrant foliage, a characteristic that not only gives the plant its common name but also adds a sensory appeal to gardens and natural settings. The leaves release a pleasant aroma when crushed, making it a delightful plant to encounter on nature walks or in personal gardens.
In addition to its fragrant leaves, the aromatic sumac boasts an attractive appearance. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 feet and features trifoliate leaves, which turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall. These autumnal hues add a splash of color to any landscape, making the plant a favorite among those looking to enhance their garden’s aesthetic appeal.
The plant also produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers in the spring, which are followed by red, hairy drupes in late summer to early fall. These fruits are not only visually appealing but also provide a valuable food source for various bird species, further integrating the aromatic sumac into its ecosystem.
Ecologically, aromatic sumac plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion, thanks to its extensive root system. This makes it a practical choice for stabilizing slopes and embankments.
Overall, the aromatic sumac is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing shrub that offers a blend of sensory delights and ecological benefits, making it a cherished plant across its wide native range from eastern Canada to Mexico.
Common Names
Eng: aromatic sumac, fragrant sumac, lemon sumac, polecatbush, skunkbrush, squawbush, sweet sumac
Deu: gewürz-sumach, duftender sumach
Swe: doftsumak
Fra: sumac aromatique, sumac odorant
En: Aromatic sumac, Polecatbush, Lemon sumac, Fragrant sumac, Skunkbrush, Squawbush, Sweet sumac
Fr: Sumac aromatique, Sumac odorant
De: Gewürz-Sumach, Duftender Sumach
Sv: Doftsumak
Synonyms
- Lobadium aromaticum ((Aiton) Sweet)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Cole O’Brien (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Danielle Girouard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2019 by Tom Halbrook (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Plant-Newb (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2022 by Kenny Freeman (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 28, 2020 by Anne McCrary (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2020 by Tauna Bollinger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Delaney Zastrow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by megan wolf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by helen c (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 30, 2016 by EOL − Stephen Hodges (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 2015 by EOL − Dave Scamardella (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 27, 2022 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Colorado Natural (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Kimby (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 23, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2022 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2018 by Colorado Natural (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 24, 2021 by Bryanne Mestas (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Lyndon Chan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Sahand Farivar (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2022 by Marie Gentile (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Heffner Laura (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190558)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30016232-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhus aromatica Aiton)
Specifications
Growth form: Multiple Stem
Growth habit: Shrub
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.5