Rhus aromatica

Fragrant sumach, Lemon sumach. A low dense suckering shrub from North America, growing 120 cm (4 ft) high. It flowers in early spring, before the leaves emerge, and these are followed by red fruits the size of currants which persist into winter. The fruits are lemony and can be soaked in water to make a lemonade drink. The leaves, fruit and root bark are used medicinally; the leaves are used for tanning. Useful as a ground cover plant, particularly on banks. Split stems are used for basketry and a brown dye is obtained from the fruits; bees like the flowers. Likes any well-drained soil; hardy to -35ºC.