helloplants.org

Lemon sumach, Fragrant sumach, Polecat bush
Rhus aromatica

Family: Anacardiaceae


What it is like

A shrub which develops suckers. It grows 0.9-1.5 m tall and spreads 1.5 m wide. The leaves have leaflets spread out like fingers on a hand. These are oval and have teeth along the edge. They have an aroma. The flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is round and red.

There are about 200 Rhus species.


Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, North America, Turkey, Türkiye, USA


How it is used for food

The fruit are mixed with corn meal, beaten with sugar or boiled into a tea.

Edible parts

Fruit


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Agrito, Oak-leaf sumac, Skunkbush

Synonyms