The fruits become an important winter food for birds and small mammals that can remain on the plant until spring if not eaten.

[3] The plant's alternate compound leaves have three leaflets that vary in shape, lobing, and margination.

[3] The plant's green to glossy blue-green summer foliage becomes orange to red or purple in the fall.

Nipple galls are a somewhat common problem affecting foliage appearance, but damage is cosmetic.

[2] Cultivars of fragrant sumac, such as Konza, have been found to be resistant to leaf rust and insect damage.

[1] Historically, Native American tribes have used fragrant sumac to treat health problems and various illnesses.

In addition to this, the leaves and bark were used in leather making due to their high tannin content.

[1][failed verification] R. aromatica can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on embankments or hard-to-cover areas.

[2][10] A study showed strong antiviral activity against two types of herpes in vitro using aqueous extractions of R.