Sumac, Fragrant (Bareroot)

Fragrant sumac is a native, drought-tolerant shrub valued for its fragrant spring flowers, aromatic foliage, and vibrant red to reddish-purple fall color. Offered as bareroot stock for late fall and early spring dormant planting, it can be a cost-effective option for larger plantings when planted correctly and given consistent watering during establishment.

Rhus aromatica grows 2–6 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, with flowers appearing in April and May. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Red berries provide food for songbirds, game birds, and small mammals, while its dense, spreading growth offers cover and habitat for birds and wildlife.

Fragrant sumac grows in full sun and part sun and tolerates dry and average to moist soil conditions. It adapts to acidic, clay, poor, gravelly, sandy, and well-drained soils. Hardy in zones 3–9, it is valued for its adaptability and ability to stabilize slopes and help control erosion.

With its drought tolerance, seasonal color, pollinator value, and spreading growth habit, fragrant sumac is well suited to native, wildlife, and erosion-control plantings. When planted correctly and given consistent watering, bareroot plants can establish and develop into mature shrubs. Bareroot stock is offered for late fall and early spring dormant planting.