Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low'
Low Growing Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica ′Gro-low′ - Groundcover Habit

Family:

Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family) 10

Genus:

Rhus (Sumac) 6

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Prostrate / Creeping / Mat-Forming 24

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 231

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 838

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Numerous small yellow flowers in March and April)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Glossy green spring and summer foliage); Orange (Orange-red fall foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Interesting, but not overly abundant; in clusters of hairy, round drupes in fall)

Ultimate Height:

2-3 feet

Ultimate Spread:

6-8 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Widely adapted to different soil types, but prefers acid, well-drained soils

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves alternate and trifoliate with the terminal leaflet being 1.5 to 3" long and toothed. Pubescent stems are fragrant when crushed (some say the aroma is reminiscent to that of turpentine).

Special Characteristics:

Pest and/or Disease Resistant 96

Fall Color 238

Additional Information

'Gro-low', as the name implies, is a very low-growing (and popular) female cultivar. Rhus aromatica is native to dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and usually colors well under these conditions. Useful for bank stabilization since it develops roots on stems touching the soil. It also suckers. Can spread too quickly for some sites (spreading rhizomes). Shear to ground to rejuvenate (try a brush-hog).