Shrub to 3 m (9 ft) tall. Leaves trifoliate, petiolate, fragrant when crushed. Leaflets variable in size,shape, lobing, margins, and pubescence but usually shiny-glabrous above. Flowers small, yellow, appearing in the early Spring. Fruits pubescent, red or orange, 5-7 mm (0.2-0.3 in) in diameter, ripening in late spring or early Summer.
Distribution: The species is native to most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
Habitat: Most abundant in open, rocky uplands, but is sometimes found in other habitats.
Comment: A widespread and variable species, often divided into several subspecies and varieties. Similar species in the Southwest are sometimes combined with it. Rhus is the ancient Latin name; aromatica refers to the aromatic leaves.
NWI status: none
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/17/99
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