Threeleaf Sumac
Threeleaf sumac is a very tough, drought-tolerant native shrub. It grows naturally throughout the foothills of the Colorado Springs area.
Its three-lobed leaves are dark glossy green. It has tiny, greenish yellow flowers are not that noticeable in spring. They turn into sticky, fuzzy red fruit on female plants in late summer. The fall leaf color is brilliant red to orange.
When branches are broken they have an unpleasant odor, hence the name "skunkbush."
Threeleaf Sumac
Threeleaf sumac is a very tough, drought-tolerant native shrub. It grows naturally throughout the foothills of the Colorado Springs area.
Its three-lobed leaves are dark glossy green. It has tiny, greenish yellow flowers are not that noticeable in spring. They turn into sticky, fuzzy red fruit on female plants in late summer. The fall leaf color is brilliant red to orange.
When branches are broken they have an unpleasant odor, hence the name "skunkbush."
Plant details
Botanic Name
Rhus trilobata
Pronunciation
roos try-lo-BAY-tuh
Mature Height
5 to 10 ft.
Mature Spread
5 to 8 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow
Bloom time
spring
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
western United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 3-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 9,000 ft.
Performance
Threeleaf sumac has thrives under a variety of conditions at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, especially hot dry sunny locations. It has performed well without supplemental irrigation once established. The more water it gets, the larger it grows.
Maintenance
Prune out dead and damaged branches as needed.
See in a landscape
Narrow strips like this can be a tough place for grass to grow because of the heat from the surrounding concrete and the difficulty of watering a narrow area. That's why these plants are a great choice for an area like this. Not only do they like the extra heat from the wall and sidewalk, but they enjoy being kept on the dry side. The yellow-blooming chocolate flower will thank you for not over-watering by blooming all season long! Many of the plants found in this garden are native to Colorado.