Definition

Noun: 1. A North American shrub: A specific type of sumac (Rhus aromatica) native to eastern North America, known for its pleasant scent when its leaves or stems are crushed. 2. A plant with specific characteristics: This shrub is characterized by compound leaves with three leaflets (ternate), flowers that grow in dense, elongated clusters (spikes) resembling catkins, and small, red, hairy fruits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fragrant sumac is often planted in gardens for its fall color and scent.
  • We identified the fragrant sumac by its three-part leaves and hairy red berries.
  • Unlike its cousin poison sumac, the fragrant sumac is not irritating to the touch.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical description: The term is used precisely to distinguish from other species within the genus, such as staghorn sumac or smooth sumac, based on leaf structure, flower form, and fragrance.
• In ecology/landscaping: Used to describe a native plant species valued for erosion control, wildlife habitat (its fruits are eaten by birds), and as a decorative, low-maintenance shrub.

Variants and Related Words

• Rhus aromatica: The scientific (Latin) name for fragrant sumac.
• Lemon sumac: A common alternative name, referring to the citrus-like scent of its crushed leaves.
• Polecat bush: A less common colloquial name.
• Sumac (general): The broader genus () to which this plant belongs, which includes other shrubs and small trees.

Synonyms

• Sweet-scented sumac
• Lemon sumac
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Fragrant sumac leaves: Specifically refers to the aromatic, ternate leaves of the plant.
• Fragrant sumac berries: Refers to the small, red, hairy fruits of the plant.

Noun

1. sweet-scented sumac of eastern America having ternate leaves and yellowish-green flowers in spikes resembling catkins followed by red hairy fruits