Threeleaf Sumac

Rhus trilobata

roos try-lo-BAY-tuh
5 to 10 ft.
5 to 8 ft.
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very low

yellow

spring

5 to 10 ft.

5 to 8 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zones 3-8

hardy to 9,000 ft.

Threeleaf sumac is a very tough, drought-tolerant native shrub. It grows naturally throughout the foothills of the Colorado Springs area.

Its three-lobed leaves are dark glossy green. It has tiny, greenish yellow flowers are not that noticeable in spring. They turn into sticky, fuzzy red fruit on female plants in late summer. The fall leaf color is brilliant red to orange.

When branches are broken they have an unpleasant odor, hence the name "skunkbush."

very low

yellow

spring

5 to 10 ft.

5 to 8 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zones 3-8

hardy to 9,000 ft.

Threeleaf sumac has thrives under a variety of conditions at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, especially hot dry sunny locations. It has performed well without supplemental irrigation once established. The more water it gets, the larger it grows.

Prune out dead and damaged branches as needed.