Plant Details

Rhus aromatica

Lemonade bush, Lemon Sumach, Fragrant sumac

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Rhus aromatica.

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General Information

Scientific name: Rhus aromatica
Also known as: Lemonade bush, Lemon Sumach, Fragrant sumac

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub
Size: Small
Height: 1.20 m
Width: 1.50 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-9
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full 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