$5.75–$16.75
In stockIn stock1
trefle.io · Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Anacardiaceae
Skunkbush sumac
Rhus trilobata
Also known as Schmaltzia trilobata, Rhus canadensis var. trilobata, Rhus aromatica subsp. trilobata, Toxicodendron trilobatum
Zones 5–10Sun Full SunWater LowCare Low
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Sumac · Native Plant · Drought Tolerant · Wildlife · Fall Color · Deciduous Shrub · Xeriscape · Western Native · Berries · Erosion Control
Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyMedicinalAttracts pollinators
In stock at 1 nurseryStock updated 9/6/2026
Skunkbush sumac is a tough, drought-tolerant native shrub ideal for low-maintenance western landscapes and wildlife gardens. Once established, it needs very little supplemental watering and thrives in poor, well-drained soils with full to partial sun. Its fragrant berries attract birds and its brilliant fall foliage makes it a striking ornamental choice.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 6 hours
- Watering
- Deep infrequent watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings · Every 14-21 days once established
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8
- Temperature
- -20°F to 110°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 5a-10b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 10 ft – 30 ft
- Spread
- 15 ft
- Spacing
- 60 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Deep
- Flowers
- Mixed
- Foliage
- Green · Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
More Rhus
Related plants from the same genus
Rhus trilobata var. racemulosa
Rhus trilobata var. racemulosa
Partial Sun · Low · Moderate
Hairy Skunkbush Sumac
Rhus trilobata var. pilosissima
Partial Sun · Moderate · Moderate
Rhus trilobata var. anisophylla
Rhus trilobata var. anisophylla
Partial Sun · Low · Moderate
Aromatic sumac
Rhus aromatica
Partial Sun · Low · Moderate
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