Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
Growth Form: Upright shrub to 3 meters high, with a rounded form.
Leaves: Alternate, trifoliate, shiny, each leaflet with 3 or 4 pairs of coarse teeth above the middle; pleasantly aromatic when crushed.
Bark: Chocolate brown, with raised, roughened ridges.
Flowers: Small, greenish yellow, in clusters at the twig tips; appearing in April or May. Winter catkins (as shown ) develop by August and expand the following spring.
Fruits: Bright red, densely covered with soft hairs, in tight terminal clusters; July into winter.
Habitat: Well-drained sandy or rocky soils, drought tolerant.
Range: Most common in the central United States, it reaches the eastern limit of its natural range in western Vermont, where it is uncommon. Listed as historical, now extirpated, in southern Connecticut. Specimens found in other New England states have been planted, or possibly have spread from cultivation.
Key Feature: The trifoliate leaves will separate this attractive species from the other Sumacs. It is in the same plant Family as its trifoliate relative, Poison Ivy, but Fragrant Sumac does not cause skin rashes.
Comments: A low-growing cultivar of Fragrant Sumac is popular with gardeners for its hardiness and colorful autumn foliage.
