After flowering and after fruit season the fuzzy seedheads remain on the Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) shrub. A native shrub Fragrant Sumac has three leaves that have some error to avoid it, thinking that Poison Ivy grows around it. Copyright 2026 Pamela BreitbergHere, it’s clusters of three leaves show clearly around the seedhead clusters. Read more about this Sumac here. Like most natives, there are multiple common names attributed to this shrub: Fragrant Sumac, Smooth Sumac, Aromatic Sumac, Lemon Sumac, Skunk Bush, Polecat Bush, Polecat Sumac. Skunk Bush and Lemon Sumac names for one plant?! So named, for the strong ordor released when leaves and stems are crushed. Some think it smells like lemon while others think its a bad aroma! Copyright 2026 Pamela Breitberg
