March’s Native Maryland Plant
Rhus aromatica
(roos a-ro-MAT-ik-a)
Common Name: Fragrant Sumac
Have you read the 2022 State of the Bay report¹? It rated the Chesapeake Bay a dismal 32 (D+) – basically no improvement from 2020. The report tells us that “growing pollution from urban and suburban development” is a major contributor to the problem. I read the report as a ‘call to action’ and hope you do too. It really is up to each of us to be part of the solution - to protect our streams, rivers and all waterways that make up our watershed.
As you’re looking around your home or community landscape, eager to see where you can prevent sediment and polluted runoff from reaching the Bay, you’d do well to look at Rhus aromatica as an ally. Most frequently sold as ‘Gro-low’, a 2’-3’ cultivar, as a species plant Rhus aromatica can reach 6’.
Ironically, Rhus aromatica is well-suited for areas where access to water is difficult – it is very drought-tolerant, quick to establish and suitable for planting on mild to moderate slopes. It thrives in dry to average, well-drained soil where it is left to freely sucker, although it takes easily to pruning, if desired.
I use Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ as a lawn-replacement in many areas; it stays low, blooms in mid-spring, has nice fall color, and its long, rhizomatous root system means it spreads quickly to cover large areas. It’s mainly pollinated by bees but will attract other insects as well. Its leaf structure resembles poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but this sumac is entirely non-poisonous.
I always look forward to spring weather and for opportunities to try new native plants.
However, in the case of Rhus aromatica, it has shown itself to be a plant worth repeating.
¹ https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/state-of-the-bay-report/
Alison Milligan – MG/MN 2013
Watershed Steward Class 7/CBLP