Left: Rhus aromatica 'Lacette' in ASMSA Garden in Spring 2023.

Above: Mature Rhus aromatica 'Lacette' with a hint of fall color.

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Green Milkweed is best grown in areas with full-sun exposure and well-draining soil. It may spread 1-2 feet and should be watered when the top few inches of soil are dry.

Growth Habit/Description:

1-2 foot tall herbaceous perennial that grows to be 1-2 feet wide. When in bloom, clusters of flowers appear that range from white to greenish in color with a purple center. The stems are either green or purple. The leaves are 4-5 inches long and are alternate.

Bloom Season:

White or greenish flower clusters form at the end of the stems in April-September.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes. Seed pods are produced that are used in seed dispersal, aesthetic value, and a wildlife food source

http://bonap.net/Napa/Genus/Traditional/County#refR

Distribution

Habitat: Green Milkweed is common in the south and midwest regions of the United States. It grows at a range of sites including prairies, woodlands, and barrens.

Native to Arkansas? Yes

Native to Garland County? Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? No

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. Fragrant sumac is a host plant for the red-banded hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) and the spring azure (Celastrina ladon).

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. The leaves and twigs are browsed by deer. Berries provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The nectar and pollen attract primarily Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Andrenine bees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Syrphid flies. Small carpenter bees burrow into the stems to nest. Many other insects feed on sumacs, including the larvae of long-horned beetles, larvae of gall flies, plant bugs, stink bugs, aphids, treehoppers, larvae of Geometer moths, larvae of owlet moths, and larvae of prominent moths. See list here.

Other Interesting Facts

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.

References

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

Page updated

Report abuse