Fragrant Sumac ( Rhus aromatica ) is classified within the Anacardiaceae family , the same family as other sumac , toxicant common ivy , and cashew nut . This species is distinguished by its redolent leaves when crush , which give it its common name .

This sumac is aboriginal to North America , stretching from Quebec in Canada to South Dakota in the U.S. , and southwards to Texas and Georgia . It ’s commonly detect in dry , rocky Wood , prairies , and along slopes , adapting well to a variety of ecological niche .

Native Americans used Fragrant Sumac for medicinal purposes , include treatments for respiratory government issue , pelt conditions , and as an astringent drug . The aromatic leaves were also used for perfume . Over time , its ornamental quality , in particular in landscape painting computer architecture , have been realize , making it a democratic option for gardens and public spaces .

Fragrant Sumac is a low - growing , deciduous bush that typically give 2 to 6 feet in height , with some varieties spreading much wider . It has trifoliate leaves that utter a pleasant sweetness when crushed , reminiscent of citrus or spiciness . In bound , it produces small , yellow bloom that are dioecious , mean male and female peak are on freestanding plants . The female plants wear belittled , scarlet drupes that persist into wintertime , providing pastime and food for wildlife .

It ’s hardy in USDA zone 3 through 9 , showcasing its adaptability to a panoptic mountain range of climates from cold northerly winters to warmer southerly conditions .

With right care , Fragrant Sumac can be for several decades , often outmatch 30 age . Its suckering habit allow for for longevity and spread , creating dense thicket that can hold on over meter .

Landscape use

Fragrant Sumac has legion software in landscape gardening :

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica): Cultivation

choose the Right Spot

Select a localisation that gets full sun to partial shade . Fragrant Sumac favour cheery areas for optimum ontogenesis and gloss , but it can tolerate some shade , particularly in the afternoon or in warmer climates .

Soil Preferences

This sumac is quite adaptable to different soil types , let in poor , rocky , sandlike , or clay soils . It thrive best in well - drain condition but can oversee in less idealistic soils , do it suitable for challenge landscapes .

Planting

Plant in either springiness or fall , ensuring the root ball is level with the soil Earth’s surface . Dig a hole somewhat larger than the solution system , identify the works , backfill with dirt , and water to settle the territory around the roots .

Watering penury

Water young plant on a regular basis until they ’re establish . Once matured , Fragrant Sumac is very drouth - immune , requiring watering only during prolonged dry spells . Overwatering should be avoided to preclude beginning rot .

Spacing

outer space plant according to the kind ; for ground book binding types like ‘ Gro - Low ’ , space them about 3 to 6 metrical unit apart to allow for spreading . For larger varieties , give them more elbow room , but remember they will spread via all-day sucker .

Mulching

Use mulch around the base to keep up moisture , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature . Keep mulch by from the prow to avoid moisture buildup around the trunk .

Pruning

Pruning can be minimal ; however , to exert shape or sizing , prune in late winter or early fountain before raw growth . take out fifth wheel or unwanted sucker to control spread , peculiarly in formal garden .

Fertilization

broadly , fertilisation is n’t necessary due to its adaptability to nutritive - hapless soils . If growing appears stunted , a unaccented program of a balanced , slow - release fertilizer in early spring might help .

Pest and Disease

Fragrant Sumac is comparatively plague - free , but watch for aphids or scurf . fungous takings like powdery mildew can occur with poor air circulation ; check good spatial arrangement and quash overhead lachrymation .

generation

Propagation can be done through seeds , which require social stratification , or through deal or hardwood cuttings . fall guy can also be toil up and transplanted , put up a natural mode to increase plant Book of Numbers .

Controlling Spread

Since Fragrant Sumac spreads through root all-day sucker , think using root roadblock or veritable sucker removal to control its expansion in circumscribe outer space . This is particularly all important in small or more structured garden .

Winter Protection

In its hardiness zones , it ’s quite cold - hardy . However , young plants or those in very expose location might benefit from a layer of mulch for root word aegis . The industrial plant ’s natural hardiness means it generally does n’t need much wintertime fear .