Rhus aromatica Lemon sumach (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhus aromatica
Lemon sumach
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus aromatica plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida and Indiana to Texas. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Lemon sumach. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. canadensis. R. crenata. non Thunb. Toxicodendron crenatum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus aromatica
Common Name:  Lemon sumach
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  Ait.

Known Hazards:  There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  1.5

Habitat:  Dry rocks, sands and open woods[43], often on limestone outcrops[149].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in hot water (starting at a temperature of 80 - 90c and allowing it to cool) prior to sowing in order to leach out any germination inhibitors[200]. This soak water can be drunk and has a delicious lemon-flavour. The stored seed also needs hot water treatment and can be sown in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage[78, 200]. Suckers in late autumn to winter[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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