Species › Plants › Fragrant Sumac

Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

CommonPlant
Illustration of Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)

Fragrant Sumac is a low, spreading native shrub of dry, rocky hillsides and forest edges with aromatic, three-part leaves and small yellow flowers in early spring. Its red, hairy berries persist through winter and are consumed by many birds including bluebirds, robins, and woodpeckers. The three-part leaves can be confused with poison ivy but lack the shiny texture.

Habitat
Dry rocky hillsides, open woods, and forest edges in eastern and central North America
Diet
Red berries eaten by bluebirds, robins, woodpeckers, and small mammals
How common
Common

Best time to see a Fragrant Sumac

The best time to see a Fragrant Sumac is April–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 28,978 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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