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Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac)

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Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ Fragrant Sumac 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. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Ground Cover Flowers, Early Fall Foliage, Mid-Fall Hedge Height: 11⁄2–3 feet Spread: 6–8 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Dense, low-growing, multistemmed deciduous shrub with long recumbent branches Trifoliate, glossy blue-green leaves late in spring are bright and colorful in fall Polygamodioecious: mostly male or mostly female plants; sex of purchased plants may unknown Yellow catkins (male flowers) and yellow panicles (female flowers) in early to mid-spring Fuzzy red fruit (drupes) may persist into winter; male flowers needed nearby for fruit to set 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 Excellent Replacement for Berberis thunbergii - Japanese Barberry Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Euonymus alatus - Burning Bush Spirea japonica - Japanese Spirea Use in “hell strips” or en masse on rocky, dry, steep slopes (for erosion control) or bare, poor soil areas Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 *The species is native to DC and to all NoVa counties but Arlington. It is absent in DE. developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, Arlington/Green Spring Gardens & Mary Free (middle), Fairlington Community Center

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low‘ (Fragrant Sumac)

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.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets