Rhus aromatica 'Lacette' is a compact non suckering fragrant sumac cultivar with deeply lobed finely textured foliage that turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and burgundy in fall. Drought tolerant and adaptable, it is an excellent native alternative to invasive ground covers in sun to part shade settings. Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 4 - 6 ft Bloom Time: Spring Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade Soil Preference: Dry to average, well drained soils Watering Needs: Low once established Deer Resistance: Highly deer resistant Native Status This cultivar is derived from Rhus aromatica, a species native to much of eastern and central North America. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Birds Produces small red fruit that are consumed by songbirds such as robins, thrashers, and catbirds in late summer and fall. Beneficial Insects Supports native beetles and pollinators that use its early flowers for nectar and pollen. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations Space 4 - 6 ft apart to form a spreading ground layer or erosion control bank. Landscape Placement Excellent for dry slopes, woodland edges, and naturalistic ground cover plantings in deer prone areas. Companion Plants Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright structure and summer to fall texture beside low growing Rhus. Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) - Brings white spring blooms and vertical form to native groupings. Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds bright orange blooms and pollinator value in dry soils. Amorpha canescens (Leadplant) - Offers purple flower spikes and soft gray foliage to contrast Rhus. Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Provides golden fall bloom that complements Rhus foliage color.
