Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

This vigorous, ground-hugging shrub makes an excellent ground cover, suckering and filling in areas quickly. Its glossy foliage turns brilliant reds, oranges, yellows and purples in fall. At first glance, it may look like poison ivy (Rhus radicans), but Fragrant Sumac is not poisonous. It occurs more commonly in the mountains of the Mid-Atlantic Region* than in the Piedmont.

*The species is native to DC and to all NoVa counties but Arlington. It is absent in DE.

Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac) flower buds in April.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac) flowers in April.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ on slope in May.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac) leaves in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ in the landscape in October.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Fall leaves of Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac) at the Fairlington Community Center in October.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Print Version (Legal Size): Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low‘ (Fragrant Sumac)

Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ Fragrant Sumac Ground Cover Height: 11⁄2–3 feet Spread: 6–8 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Dense, low-growing, multistemmed deciduous shrub with long recumbent branches Usually dioecious: separate male & female plants; plant sex may be unknown for purchased plants Trifoliate, glossy blue-green leaves late in spring Yellow catkins (male flowers) and yellow panicles (female flowers) in early to mid-spring Fuzzy red fruit may persist into winter; male flowers needed nearby for fruit to set Bright, colorful fall foliage late in season Leaves and twigs are aromatic when bruised Spreads by tip-layering and suckering Attributes Tolerates clay soil, drought (very well), rabbits; no serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Vigorous growth; does well in disturbed urban soils Attracts birds, butterflies, and small mammals Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Acidic (adaptable), well-drained Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Use in “hell strips” or en masse on rocky, dry, steep slopes (for erosion control) or bare, poor soil areas The species is native to DC and to all NoVa counties but Arlington. It is absent in DE. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 Excellent Replacement for Berberis thunbergii - Japanese Barberry, Euonymus alatus - Burning Bush, Spirea japonica - Japanese Spirea
Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets