Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low')
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' (Fragrant sumac) is a tough, low-mounding native shrub offering aromatic foliage and wildlife value in tough sites.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’, commonly known as Fragrant sumac, is an exceptionally durable and adaptable deciduous shrub ideal for challenging landscape locations. This cultivar is highly valued because it maintains a dense, exceptionally low profile, staying under two feet tall while spreading vigorously via root suckers to cover large areas quickly. Bruising its distinctive trifoliate leaves or twigs releases a pleasant, lemon-like aroma, differentiating it from its poisonous look-alikes.
The functional benefits of Fragrant sumac are significant; it excels in erosion control and thrives where other plants struggle due to drought or poor soil quality. In spring, it features small, soft yellowish flowers, which are followed by attractive, hairy red berries favored by local wildlife, adding seasonal interest. The overall habit of Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ offers excellent structure and brilliant fall color, making it a superb, low-maintenance foundation plant for native or naturalized garden settings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Yellowish
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ is best achieved in spring or fall, allowing it time to establish its wide-spreading root system. It is exceptionally unfussy regarding soil type, performing well in average conditions but especially appreciating its adaptation to clay, dry, and shallow, rocky soils. Ensure the chosen location receives at least partial sun exposure, although full sun encourages the best structure and brightest fall coloration.
Once established, this Fragrant sumac requires remarkably little care. Water deeply during the first growing season to encourage robust root development, but afterward, its drought tolerance means supplementary watering is rarely necessary. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary; excessive richness can lead to leggier growth. Pruning, if desired, should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, focusing on shaping or controlling aggressive spreading if needed.
Because Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ spreads by suckers to form dense thickets, plan for its eventual spread when placing it. It is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for stabilizing slopes or covering tough, hard-to-manage areas where traditional turf or perennials fail.
Landscape Uses
The primary role of Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ in the landscape is as a groundcover or mass planting native solution. Its dense, low habit makes it perfect for stabilizing steep embankments or covering large, open areas that require minimal upkeep. Use it to create naturalized borders along property lines or as an informal screen, rather than a formal hedge, due to its rambling nature.
This tough shrub integrates seamlessly into native plant gardens or xeriscapes where water conservation is a priority. Because of its ability to handle many soil types, look to use it as an underplanting beneath larger, established trees, provided the resulting shade is not too deep. Its seasonal interest—yellow blooms, attractive red fruit, and vibrant autumn foliage—offers year-round appeal against contrasting evergreen textures.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The species name, aromatica, refers to the pleasant, fragrant scent released when the leaves or twigs of this deciduous Missouri native shrub are bruised; the cultivar ‘Gro-Low’ is specifically bred to be a dense, low-growing form, typically stopping around 1-2 feet tall but spreading out widely to 8 feet. It features trifoliate, medium green leaves that turn stunning shades of orange, red, and purple in the autumn. Although the leaves vaguely resemble poison ivy, this Fragrant sumac is completely non-poisonous and provides persistent, hairy red berries attractive to birds late into winter.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Drought
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
This plant is remarkably resilient, with no serious, widespread insect or disease issues noted. Gardeners may occasionally observe minor cosmetic problems, such as nipple galls forming on the foliage, which rarely impact plant health. Susceptibility exists for minor issues like leaf spot, rust, scale insects, aphids, and mites, especially under stressed conditions or in overly humid environments. Prevention involves ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ suitable for?
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ is highly adaptable and suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Fragrant sumac grow?
This cultivar is specifically selected to remain short, typically reaching only 1.5 to 2 feet in height, though it spreads vigorously between 6 and 8 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Fragrant sumac need?
For optimal density and performance, provide Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ with full sun exposure, though it tolerates partial shade effectively.
When does Fragrant sumac bloom?
The blooms appear early in the season, typically from April into May, presenting as small, yellowish flowers before the foliage fully develops.
Conclusion
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ stands out as a premier choice for gardeners needing tough, wide-spreading groundcover that requires virtually no intervention once established. Its combination of low maintenance, excellent wildlife value, and tolerance for difficult sites—including drought and clay—makes this Fragrant sumac invaluable. Before planting this excellent native shrub, confirm your site conditions align with USDA Zones 3-9 and planning for its aggressive spread.
Wildlife Benefits
This low-growing shrub provides significant benefits to local fauna, especially birds. The female plants produce small clusters of hairy, red berries in late summer that provide a crucial late-season food source, often persisting into the winter months. Furthermore, dense groundcover provided by the spreading thickets of Fragrant sumac offers excellent cover and nesting habitat for numerous small mammals and ground-dwelling birds.
Companion Planting
Given the strong spreading nature and low-growing habit of Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’, pairing it successfully requires recognizing its need for competition-free space or pairing it with equally tough neighbors. Consider using companion plants that share its preference for dry, sunny conditions, such as coneflowers (Echinacea), native sedges (Carex species), or drought-tolerant ornamental grasses. These companions can fill in the visual gaps between established sumac thickets without competing aggressively for surface moisture.
