Photo of Rhus trilobata foliage, form, fruit by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Buy Rhus trilobata

Also Known As

  • Skunkbush
  • Sour Berry
  • Three-leaf Sumac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-6'
  • W: 6'-10'

planting zones

  • 3a-10b

quart - 14 to 18 inches tall - bare root | $11.69

Shipping flat rate $12

Fewer than 8 at Red Panda Nursery

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Rhus trilobata plant details

Rhus trilobata is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring cream and yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhus trilobata

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 2 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhus trilobata

USDA Zones: 3a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Trileaf Sumac, also frequently known as Skunkbush Sumac or Lemonade Berry, is a low growing shrub that is native across much of the United States. The plants are very drought tolerant with deep roots and can survive serious extended droughts by dropping their leaves to conserve moisture. Trileaf Sumac is important as a high-calorie food source for birds as the berries persist late in the winter when there is very little else available. Seedlings can be either male or female, both a male and female plant are needed to produce berries so planting multiple seedlings in the same area is necessary for fruiting.
Its branches were often used for baskets and its large clusters of dark-red fruits were mixed with water for ?limonada? but this wide-spreading 2-6' shrub is also attractive with glossy, 3-parted leaves turning bright-red in fall. S/M-D

Gardening facts about Rhus trilobata plant

How to Grow Rhus trilobata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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