Common names: fragrant sumac, skunkbush, skunkbrush, polecat bush, sweet-scented sumac, lemon sumac

Scientific names: Rhus aromatica (R. crenata, R. nortonii, R. osterhoutii, R. trilobata, Schmaltzia crenata, S. serotina, S. trilobata)

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall, winter (for Rhus spp.-Toxicodendon radicans complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial shrub to 9.0 feet. Leaves deciduous, alternate, trifoliolate compound, aromatic; leaflets 3, sessile or nearly so; plant is polygamous; inflorescence a compound spike, terminal on branches; flowers small, yellow to yellowish green, sessile or nearly so, before the leaves; fruit is a 1-seeded drupe, subglobose, red, covered with reddish to brownish hairs, matures May-September. Flowers February-June.

Plant community type: Mostly in uplands.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family