Rhus aromatica

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Rhus aromatica

Also known as: Lemonade bush, Lemon Sumach, Fragrant sumac

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub

Format: Smal

Height: 1.20 m

Width: 1.50 m

Growth Rate: Slow

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-9

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Oil, Seed

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(2)

Features:
Wickerwork, Dye, Oil, Fragrant

Description

The fruits of this plant are small and have little pulp, but they are easy to harvest. They can be eaten raw or cooked. For a refreshing lemonade-like drink, the fruits can be soaked in cold or hot water for 10 to 30 minutes. It is important not to boil this drink, as that releases tannins, which give a too sharp taste. The fruits can also be dried and then ground into powder. This powder can be mixed with cornmeal and used in baking recipes, porridge, and more.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09

End of Harvest: 31/10

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Carya ovata Hickory	Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) provides a deep taproot that can help stabilize the soil structure around Rhus aromatica while also sharing nutrients with it.
Acer campestre Field Maple, Hedge maple	Acer saccharum (sugar maple) provides shade, which can help protect Rhus aromatica during the hottest parts of the day and maintain moisture in the soil.
Mentha x piperita officinalis White Peppermint	Mentha x piperita (peppermint) helps to deter pests that may harm Rhus aromatica while providing a pleasant aromatic environment.
Cydonia oblonga Quince	Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree) complements Rhus aromatica by attracting beneficial insects, providing pollination support.
Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly Ash - Northern, Common pricklyash, Northern Prickly Ash	Zanthoxylum americanum (toothache tree) helps deter herbivores with its spicy foliage and contributes to biodiversity in the guild.
Rubus idaeus Raspberry	Rubus idaeus (raspberry) can provide ground cover and attract pollinators to the area, enhancing the overall health of the guild.