Botanical Name: Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
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Common Name: Gro-low Fragrant Sumac  
Plant photo of: Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Parking Lot, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

'Gro-low' is a naturally occurring dwarf form of fragrant sumac, and has a mounding, spreading habit with upward-arching branch tips, growing to about 18 to 24 inches tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Tiny yellow flowers bloom at the twig tips in early spring before the foliage. Separate male flowers (in catkins) and female flowers (in clusters) appear on the same plant (monoecious) or, more commonly, on different plants (dioecious). Male catkins form in late summer and persist throughout the winter until eventually blooming in spring. Female flowers give way in late summer to small clusters of hairy, red berries which may persist into winter. Fruit is attractive to wildlife. Leaves are a dark glossy green, turning orange to red in the fall. A lovely, tough plant well suited as a ground cover for nearly anywhere.
About the only thing that can kill this shrub are wet, poorly drained soils. It will grow in rocky, sandy, clay, or loamy soils in nearly any pH. Full sun to mostly shade. Attracts birds and butterflies. Pruning is generally unnecessary, but if you feel compelled, do so selectively (see Guides). Indispensible low-growing, spreading groundcover; will thrive in parking lots, under trees, or on slopes.