Is it related to poison ivy?

Yes, it is in the same family, but it does not cause the same allergic reaction.

Does it spread easily?

It spreads by suckering, which makes it great for erosion control but something to watch in small gardens.

Plant guide

Fragrant sumac.

Rhus aromatica

Pronounced roos ah-roh-MAT-ih-kah

Also known as Aromatic Sumac, Fragrant Sumac, Lemon Sumac, Polecatbush, Skunkbrush, Squawbush, Sweet Sumac, basket bush

Fragrant sumac is a hardy, deciduous shrub that offers lovely seasonal color and a pleasant scent when its leaves are crushed. It is a fantastic choice for naturalizing areas or preventing soil erosion on slopes. You will enjoy its bright yellow flowers in spring and vibrant red foliage in autumn.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

This shrub is quite adaptable and thrives in well drained soil. Keep an eye out for suckering, as it tends to spread over time. It is very drought tolerant once established in your garden.

Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help it establish a deep root system.
Feeding: A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually plenty.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead wood.
Repotting: If kept in a container, move to a larger pot every few years as it outgrows its space.
Soil: Well drained, rocky, or sandy soil
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Stunted growth despite proper care

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non-toxic, though some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the sap.
Children: The berries are safe, but the stems can be woody and sharp, so keep an eye on small children playing near the shrub.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild seasonal allergies for some people.
Edibility: The berries are edible but can be quite tart and are often used for tea rather than eaten fresh.

How to identify it

Three leaflets with serrated edges
Aromatic foliage when crushed
Small yellow flower clusters in spring
Fuzzy red berries in late summer
Low growing, spreading habit

Height: 0.6 to 1.8m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A fungal infection that causes a white, dusty coating on the leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy. You can prune back dead wood in late winter before new growth starts.
In containers: It is not ideal for containers due to its wide spreading habit, but it can be grown in very large tubs.

Softwood cuttings

Take 10cm cuttings in early summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
Place in a moist, well-draining medium.
Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Pair this shrub with deep-rooted native grasses to create a stable, low-maintenance slope planting.

Grows well with

Purple Coneflower · They share similar sun and soil requirements.
Little Bluestem · This grass provides a beautiful textural contrast to the sumac leaves.

Similar species

Staghorn Sumac · It is a much larger relative with fuzzy branches.

Science

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Rhus
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central and eastern North America.
Conservation: This plant is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in rocky, dry soils and is often found on hillsides or woodland edges where it provides essential cover for small mammals.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, nesting cover, bird food
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: groundcover, erosion control, wildlife garden, hedging

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it related to poison ivy?: Yes, it is in the same family, but it does not cause the same allergic reaction.
Does it spread easily?: It spreads by suckering, which makes it great for erosion control but something to watch in small gardens.

Where the name comes from

The name Rhus is the classical Greek name for sumac, while aromatica refers to the fragrant, citrus-scented leaves.

Good to know

It is a member of the cashew family.
The fall foliage turns brilliant shades of red and orange.
It is highly effective at stabilizing slopes.
Native Americans used the branches for basketry.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.