Above:  Crinum americanum in bloom 

Credits: David J. Stang

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

The crinum americanum prefers consistently wet soil to standing water to grow in however it can survive in occasionally wet spaces. It needs lots of water to survive and acidic conditions (pH< 6.0). It prefers full sun but can survive in partial shade as well.

Growth Habit/Description:

12 in. to 3 ft. wide and 2 ft. to 4 ft. tall with simple leaves. Leaves are lanceolate shaped and grow between 2-4 ft. long and 2-3 in. wide. The leaves are green and the stems are as well with a purple hue.

Bloom Season:

Pink and white fragrant flowers bloom from June to November. The crinum americanum also provides small capsule fruit during this season.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Fall.  The blooms this plant provides adds to the colorful flowers in the Zen Garden.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

 No.  

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The underwater portions of the crinum americanum provide

Origin of Name:  Leaves and twigs are aromatic when bruised.

Related Plant Species:   Fragrant sumac is smaller and less aggressive than is relatives Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) and Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac).  Its trifoliate leaves resemble those of its relative poison ivy (Rhus radicans) but are smaller in size and non-toxic to humans.  

Use For Food/Medicine:

An infusion has been used in the treatment of dysentery and also as a gargle for sore throats. Its use is contraindicated if inflammation is present.

Klingaman, Gerald.  c 1999.   Fayetteville (AR):   University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.  Extension News.  Plant of the Week:  Sumac, Fragrant.  [Cited 2023, Sept 5].   Available from:  https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/fragrant-sumac.aspx

Hilty, John. c 2002-2020.  Illinois Wildflowers.  Fragrant Sumac  [Cited 2023, Sept 5].  Available from:  https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/fragrant_sumac.htm#:~:text=Fragrant%20Sumac%20(Rhus%20aromatica)&text=Description%3A%20This%20woody%20shrub%20is,low%20shrub%20with%20spreading%20branches

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  Austin (TX):   University of Texas--Austin.   Rhus aromatica.  [Cited 2023, Sept 5].   Available from:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=rhar4