Plant types

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Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Stan Shebs

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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

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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

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.

By: Red Panda Nursery

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