Image of Rhus aromatica
Source: David J Stang

Plant Names

image of Shrub
Rhus aromatica
Fragrant Sumac
Sumac aromatique

Synonyms

aromatic sumac
lemon sumac
skunkbrush
sweet sumac
sumac odorant

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Yellow Bloom Period: Apr - May
Max Height: 12.0 feet
Max Width: 6.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year Plant is dioecious Need a male and female plant to produce seeds
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
school garden Suitable for school gardens
hedge Can be used as a hedge
boulevard garden tolerant Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Rhus aromatica
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Rhus aromatica

Specialized Bees Supported by Rhus aromatica

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
  • Forsythieae (Forsythia)
  • Diervilla (Non-Native Honeysuckle)
  • Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam)
  • Cotnius (Smokebush)
  • Impatiens balsamina (Impatiens Balsamina)
  • Berberis (Barberry)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Pour boiling water over seed and soak for 24 hrs. Scarify.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: July
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
  • Harvesting:
    • Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.