1 named cultivar

‘Autumn Amber’Autumn Amber Prostrate Three-leaf Sumac

shrubN. America Native

Skunkbush Sumac

Rhus trilobata

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhus trilobata, skunkbush sumac, is a dense deciduous shrub native across western and central North America, reaching two to three feet tall and spreading three to eight feet wide. Small trifoliate leaves release an unpleasant skunk-like smell when crushed, turning orange and red in autumn, and sticky crimson berries follow on female plants.

Its spreading root system makes it one of the best native shrubs for holding dry banks and eroding slopes, and it tolerates drought that kills most shrubs outright. The crushed-leaf smell gives it its common name, and it is dioecious, so berries need both a male and female plant.

Uses & Benefits:

Glossy trifoliate foliage turning orange and red, with crimson berries on female plants.

Exceptional for erosion control on dry slopes, and drought-proof once established.

Food and cover for songbirds, game birds and mammals; nesting material and forage for native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western and central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil.
Choose full sun to dappled shade.
Allow three to eight feet of spread.
Water to establish, then rarely.
Plant both sexes if you want berries.
Prune in late winter to renew old stems.

Pro Tip

Plant it on the slope you want held — the spreading roots do the work, and it copes with dry, poor ground that defeats most shrubs.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it on dry banks and slopes 🌱
Plant in full sun for autumn colour ☀️
Include both sexes for berries 🔴
Renew old stems in late winter ✂️

Don't

Plant it in wet or heavy soil ❌
Site it where crushed leaves will be smelled often ❌
Expect berries from a single plant ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Monitor
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion control on dry banksInformal low hedge or massWildlife and native shrub planting

Companion Plants

Little Bluestem Blue Grama Leadplant Butterfly Weed Prairie Dropseed

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Skunkbush Sumac questions

What zones can Skunkbush Sumac grow in?

Skunkbush Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Skunkbush Sumac deer resistant?

Yes — Skunkbush Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Skunkbush Sumac bloom?

Skunkbush Sumac typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Skunkbush Sumac need full sun?

Skunkbush Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Skunkbush Sumac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Skunkbush Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.