Bring the Outdoors Home

Fragrant Sumac ‘Gro-Low’ | Plant Profile

Fragrant Sumac ‘Gro-Low’ (Rhus aromatica) are short, wide-growing shrubs with bright fall foliage. Small yellow flowers are present from early spring before foliage growth. Small berries are attractive to birds and other pollinators.

‘Gro-Low’ are easy to grow in many soil types. Soils should be well-drained and of dry to medium moisture. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils.

‘Gro-Low’ are common inclusions in naturalized and woodland areas. The fruit and flowers are attractive to deer, rabbits, birds and pollinators. They can also be used as groundcover or erosion control in poor soils or along hillsides.

Description

Fragrant Sumac 'Gro Low' Characteristics

Fragrant Sumac are dense, low-growing shrubs native to the American Midwest. Often resembling groundcover, these shrubs grow more than twice as wide as tall. Green leaves in the summer turn to shades of orange, red, yellow and purple in the fall. When damaged, these leaves become quite fragrant. Although harmless, Fragrant Sumac is often mistaken for poison ivy. Early spring brings small yellow flowers before the onset of foliage. If pollinated, female specimens produce berries that are attractive to birds.

'Gro-Low' prefer dry to medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. These hardy shrubs tolerate shallow, rocky and clay soils. They can be susceptible to some cosmetic blight.

'Gro-Low' are ideal for areas with poor soil or erosion problems. Their tolerance of dry soils makes them good options for hillsides and embankments. These low-growing shrubs are suitable as groundcovers or in naturalized woodland areas. Birds, butterflies, and bees are attracted to the flowers and small fruits making them perfect for naturalized pollinator gardens.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 3 - 9
Height
1.50 - 2.00'
Spread
4.00 - 8.00'
Bloom Time
April - May
Water
Dry - Medium
Sun
Full Sun - Part Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
No