Alternate name: Fragrant Sumac

Family: Anacardiaceae, Cashew view all from this family

Description A sprawling, small to medium-size shrub with aromatic foliage.
Leaves: shiny; divided into 3 leaflets 2-3" (5-7.5 cm) long; coarsely toothed.
Flowers: tiny, greenish-yellow, in 1" (2.5 cm) spikes; bloom before leaves open.
Fruit: small, 1/4" (.75 cm) red berries, persisting through winter.
Height: 2-12' (.6-4 m).

Habitat Dry and rocky foothills, plains, fields, and open woodlands.

Range Eastern North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Texas and Florida.

Discussion Several cultivated varieties of this shrub are available. Its berries provide food for small animals and birds such as Townsend's Solitaires.