Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ (Fragrant Sumac) is a great plant for stabilizing slopes and banks thanks to its fibrous root system and arching, rooting branches. Growing only about 2′ tall but 8′ wide you’ll get a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, the fragrant leaves have gorgeous fall color. Full sun to partial shade in average acidic soil with the key being well-drained! (Also available is the straight species, R. aromatica, which grows 5’H x 8’W.)
FYI: Do not confuse this with Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix formerly Rhus vernix), which is also a native plant but found more commonly in the South in wet soils like swamps and bogs.