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The Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) belongs to Anacardiaceae (the Sumac family). It is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. This tree grows in upland open woods, fields, barrens, and rocky cliffs, and it can reach 2-4 m in height. The leaves are middle green, alternate and trifoliate, and turn bright yellow to red to red-purple in fall. The leaves and stems of fragrant sumac have a citrus fragrance when crushed. The yellow flowers bloom in clusters in March or April before the leaves emerge. The female plants bear hairy red drupes in July or August. The drupes can last until the next March if not eaten by birds or small mammals. They can be brewed into a tea.
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