fragrant sumac

Fragrant Sumac Rhus aromatica
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew)
Branching: Alternate

This shrub is found primarily in southern regions. Aside from the fruit, it doesn't resemble Staghorn Sumac or Smooth Sumac very much, and its twigs look more like Sweet-gale to me. As its name suggests, a broken twig has a distance fragrant scent. The buds are tiny and not really visible.

Winter twig of Fragrant Sumac, showing the large flower buds

Another view of the buds

Smaller, hairy flower buds

Lateral leaf scar (leaf buds are not normally visible)

Another view of the leaf scar

Fragrant Sumac fruit