Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac, Sweet scented Sumac)

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac, Sweet scented Sumac) is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which includes other sumac species. Fragrant Sumac is valued for its pleasant fragrance, particularly when its leaves are crushed or bruised. The shrub typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters) and has a spreading, low-growing habit. It forms dense thickets and is often used for erosion control or as a ground cover. The leaves of Fragrant Sumac are trifoliate, meaning they consist of three leaflets. The leaflets are elongated, obovate, or lanceolate in shape and have serrated edges. The foliage has a green color during the growing season, turning shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall, providing attractive autumn colors. In spring, Fragrant Sumac produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers. The flowers are followed by clusters of fruit called drupes, which are small, red berries covered with fine hairs. While the fruit is