Three-Leaf Sumac

Rhus trilobata

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
Plant Description: A native deciduous shrub that grows 4-6 feet tall and forms large clumps. Deep green summer foliage assumes a brillant bronze-red color in fall. Spikes of edible red fruit develop in late summer. Berries can be used to make a lemonade-like drink. Branches were used by some Native American tribes to make baskets. Very cold hardy and drought resistant. Also known as squawbush or skunkbrush.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Shrub - Thinning
Plant Care: Shrub - Thinning (woody multi-stemmed plants that lose their leaves every winter and look best on older stems): Prune dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most shrubs. With spring blooming shrubs, prune after the blooms are spent. Remove up to 1/3rd of the overall shrub, keeping older branches to build up a sturdy, permanent and picturesque framework. Keep in mind that these shrubs bloom directly on older wood or on shoots that come off old wood. Monitor for pests, diseases, or other ailments on a regular basis.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 4-6' tall x 10' wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Foundation Plant, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Yellow, Inconspicuous
Bloom Seasons: Late Spring
Bloom Period: May - Jun

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 4 to 6
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • JVWCD Building
  • Maintenance Path
    • Rain Gardening
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter