Rhus trilobata

Common Names

Skunkbush, Skunkbush Sumac, Basketbush, Squawbush, Three Leaf Sumac, Lemonade Sumac, Ill-Scented Sumac, Scented Sumac, Sourberry, Polecat Bush, Quailbush, Skunkbrush

Summary

Skunkbush Sumac is a Western North American native, upright arching deciduous shrub forming dense thickets via deep, spreading rhizomes; typically 0.5–2.5 m tall with a spreading habit. Foliage is trifoliate with three leaflets about 1.5–2.5 cm long, and autumn color ranges from yellow to red. Greenish-yellow flowers appear in late spring, followed by red-orange fruits about 5–7 mm in diameter that persist into winter; leaves and stems emit an ill-scent odor when crushed; bees pollinate the flowers.

Cultivation favors full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils; drought-tolerant once established and tolerant of poor soils; hardy to USDA Zones 3–6. Uses include erosion control, windbreaks, hedges, and wildlife habitat; propagation by seed or root and softwood cuttings; seeds may require cold stratification. Edible red fruits are used fresh, dried, or to make lemonade-like beverages; wildlife rely on fruits for winter food; cultivars include 'Autumn Amber' (compact groundcover) and 'Bighorn' (larger with irrigation).

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 feet

Spread

6-8 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-6

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, tolerates sandy, loam, clay, rocky soils, pH 5.6–8.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green; turns yellow to red in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, orange, and red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Most rapid during the first 3-5 years; rapid growth initially, then slows; overall medium to fast growth.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds