Description
The Fragrant Sumac is a low-growing bush that is commonly used to border gardens, walking paths, and driveways, growing easily in most soil types. Leaves produce brilliant red, orange, and purple fall colors making this an attractive bush to add some colour to your yard.
In spring, tiny yellow flowers bloom on the twig tips of this shrub, attracting bees and butterflies. Female flowers turn into clusters of hairy, red berries over the summer. These features benefit local wildlife such as providing food for birds and small mammals.
Fragrant Sumac can be distinguished from other varieties of by the aromatic fragrance given off when leaves or twigs are bruised. Its berries also give off a sweet lemony scent during the summer.
Sumacs have often held a bad reputation due to some varieties being poisonous such as the Poison Sumac. The Fragrant Sumac however is not at all poisonous and the berries are safe to eat and high in vitamin C. They have a citrusy flavor to them and can also be made into berry tea if they are crushed and steeped in hot water.
The Fragrant Sumac will need some space as it can spread up to 12 feet (4 meters) so be sure to plant this shrub in an area where it can thrive.
| Fragrant Sumac Facts and Features | |
| Mature Size | Small Height: 6 ft (2 meters) Width: 4 - 6 ft |
| Sun/Shade | Full sun to part shade |
| Moisture | Adaptable to both dry and moist locations, |
| Soil | Tolerates many types of soil. |
| Flowers | Tiny yellow flowers in the spring |
| Fruit | Hairy, red berries appear in Summer |
| Special Features | Leaves and twigs have a pleasant fragrance when bruised. Berries have a sweet lemony fragrance. Attracts birds and bees |
