For a native low-growing ground cover shrub, Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica, is an ideal choice. Its leaves and twigs fill the air with a spicy lemon scent when bruised. Growing 2-4′ tall and 8-10′ wide, this easy-going shrub is perfect as a large ground cover for areas with poor soils or where erosion control is needed. Extremely tough, it tolerates poor, rocky, and dry soils. Fragrant Sumac colonizes to form thickets, making it ideal for slopes or other areas that can be difficult to water and mow. In fall, the beautiful glossy green leaves turn to brilliant shades of scarlet red, orange, yellow, and purple.

In early spring, tiny yellow flowers bloom at the twig tips. Male catkins form in late summer and persist throughout the winter until eventually blooming in spring. Its female flowers are followed in late summer with small clusters of hairy red berries. Fragrant Sumac flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and honey bees, and its fruit is attractive to birds and other wildlife. A valuable host plant, its leaves are food for butterfly and moth caterpillars. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Plant in sun to part shade. Tolerant of most soils except ones with poor drainage.