Fragrant sumac is a deciduous shrub with an upright, irregular habit, growing about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Yellow flowers appear in March and are followed by hairy, red fruits (female plants only) which mature in August and persist into the fall. Leaves are oval, coarsely toothed, and darkly green above and whitish-hairy underneath. Fall color is orange to reddish-purple. Useful for mass planting, naturalistic areas, erosion control (as it has a suckering habit). 'Gro-low' is a naturally occurring prostrate form that is ideally suited to be a groundcover.
Grow in well drained soil; adaptive to soil types and pH. Will grow in full sun to mostly shade. Avoid shearing as it makes it twiggy and causes the growth to be somewhat erratic; if pruning is necessary, do so selectively (see Guides). Fire resistant.