Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
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Tried and True Recommended by 10 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: fragrant sumac
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Anacardiaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 6 to 8 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellowish
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Rabbits
Uses: Erosion Control, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils except those that are poorly drained.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This fragrant sumac cultivar is a dense, low-growing, rambling shrub which spreads by root suckers and typically grows only to 1-2' tall but spreads to 8' wide. Trifoliate, medium green leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in autumn. Leaves and twigs are aromatic when bruised (hence the species name). Leaves are smaller but resemble in appearance those of the related poison ivy (Rhus radicans), however this fragrant sumac is a totally non-poisonous plant. Tiny yellow flowers bloom at the twig tips in early spring before the foliage. Separate male flowers (in catkins) and female flowers (in clusters) appear on the same plant (monoecious) or, more commonly, on different plants (dioecious). Male catkins form in late summer and persist throughout the winter until eventually blooming in spring. Female flowers give way in late summer to small clusters of hairy, red berries which may persist into winter. Fruit is attractive to wildlife.

Plant of Merit

This plant makes an excellent mass planting where a taller ground cover is desired or on an exposed embankment to hold the soil. Its height at maturity is about 2 feet, but spreads 6 to 8 feet in width. The leaves are fragrant and very colorful in the fall. The fruit is attractive to wildlife. Plant in full sun in poor to rich soil with medium moisture.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, rust, scale, aphids and mites. Nipple galls on foliage are a somewhat common, but generally cosmetic problem.

Garden Uses

Good for stabilizing embankments or as a ground cover. Good for hard-to-cover areas with poorer soils.

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