Rhus trilobata

Sunset

Zones 1-12, 14-21, 31-41

Full

Moderate, Minimal

Squawbush
Anacardiaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs

RHUS

Of the ornamental sumacs, deciduous kinds are extremely hardy to cold; they are noted for brilliant fall leaf color and, on female plants, showy clusters of (usually) red fruits that attract birds. They tend to produce suckers, especially if their roots are disturbed by cultivation.

Evergreen species are less hardy.

All sumac species thrive in almost any soil, as long as drainage is good (soggy soils can kill them). Poison oak and poison ivy were once members of the genus Rhus, but they have been reclassified as Toxicodendron.

Rhus trilobata

Native from Illinois to Texas and California. Similar in most details to Rhus aromatica, but most people find the scent of the bruised leaves unpleasant. Clumping habit makes it a natural low hedge; also good for erosion control. Brilliant yellow to red fall color.