Landscaping: Fragrant sumac is a small low growing shrub that is used as a ground cover. In the fall, it exhibits beautiful orangish red foliage. The leaves when crushed smell fragrant. This sumac does not give you a rash if you touch it.
Wildlife: The fruit is an important winter food for birds, including turkey, ruffed grouse, robins, and flickers, and for various small mammals (e.g., raccoon, opossum, chipmunk). The foliage is relatively unpalatable to most species of wildlife and domestic livestock. Thickets of fragrant sumac provide cover for many species of birds and small mammals.
Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & the Biota of North America Program
Click here for more information from USDA-NRCS.
Fragrant Sumac
Scientific name: Rhus aromatica
Seedling size: 24-36 inches
Height: 2-6 Feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil Type: Dry to medium
Salt sensitive: N/a
Sun: Full or part sun
Michigan Native: Yes