Description

Fragrant sumac is a common shrub in many plant communities throughout California and beyond. Its form is an open patch of upright stems. It spreads via rhizome to form a large patch in time. The compound leaves have three lobed leaflets. It is similar in appearance to poison oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum, and it can irritate sensitive people. The flowers will depend on whether the plant is male, female, or both. The male flowers are small catkins, while the female flowers are small white clusters at the end of stems. The female flowers will produce small, disk-shaped red berries in the summer. The fall colors of this deciduous shrub are really striking. The ‘Gro-Low’ selection is popular for its compact growth form and wide adaptability.