Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumach)

Botanical name

Rhus aromatica

Other names

Fragrant sumach, Lemon sumac, Polecat bush

Genus

Rhus Rhus

Species

R. aromatica - R. aromatica is mound-forming, suckering, deciduous shrub with spreading stems bearing palmate, aromatic, softly hairy, dark green leaves divided into ovate, toothed leaflets turning orange and reddish-purple in autumn. Erect panicles of tiny yellow flowers in mid-spring are followed by spherical, red fruit.

Native to

Eastern North America

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Suckering, Cushion or Mound Forming

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested and foliage may cause skin irritation.

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Reddish-purple, Orange in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Specific diseases

Coral spot , Verticillium wilt

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumach) will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun for best autumn colour. Remove suckers by digging out all roots.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumach)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumach)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumach)

Common pest name

; mango aphid

Scientific pest name

Aphis odinae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Aphid pest unlikely to survive in the UK and considered to be little or no pytosanitary risk.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/