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Lemonadeberry, Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica

Details & Attributes


Plant Type(s) Shrub
Native to Arizona Yes!
Water Needs Low
Sun Full sun, partial shade
Pollinators Bees, butterflies, attracts birds to the fruit
Has Spines No
Size
In relative feet, width by height
4-6 × 4-5
Freeze Tolerant Yes
Flowering Season March-August
Flower Color White/greenish
Minimum Temperature Range -20 °F
Leaf Description Typically three lobed and covered in soft hairs. Foliage has a musty pungency
Fruit Tart, red, berry
View on SEINet View SEINet Entry
Range Map View SEINet Range Map
Elevation Range 2500-7500 ft.
Description This is a smaller sumac with thin, flexible branches arising from the base. Because this species is decidous (losing it's leaves annually) it is ideally planted with evergreen species like oaks (Quercus spp.), desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri), beargrass (Nolina microcarpa), and Arizona rosewood (Vauquelinia californica). This is probably our most widespread native sumac and can be grown in most localities in Arizona but plants in lower desert climates will benefit from generous irrigation and partial shade. At higher elevations this sumac can go in full sun. The berries are great bird attractors, making this an excellent addition to a wildlife garden. Cold or drought tolerance are likely to be slightly different depending on where the seed was collected from so it may be worth checking with your local nursery to get a sense of the provenance of their germplasm