Threeleaf Sumac

Rhus trilobata

Anacardiaceae

• USDA Zones: 3-8
• Sun: Full sun
• Size: 5-6 feet tall x 6-8 feet wide (larger with irrigation)
• Flower: Small clusters
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color: Greenish-yellow; April through June
• Wildlife: Berries for birds and small mammals; attracts pollinators; provides cover and nesting habitat

Threeleaf sumac, also known as skunkbush, basketbush, or lemonade sumac, is an exceptionally tough deciduous shrub native to western North America from western Canada south to Mexico and from the Great Plains to California. This versatile species thrives across elevation ranges from 3,500 to 9,000 feet, inhabiting diverse plant communities including prairie grasslands, mountain shrublands, pine and juniper forests, wetland margins, oak woodlands, and chaparral. The plant is adaptable to soil conditions, growing in everything from rocky, well-drained sites to heavy clay soils, though it performs best with good drainage. Threeleaf sumac develops a deep, branching taproot with shallow, spreading rhizomes, allowing it to access deep water while also colonizing laterally to form thickets. This robust root system makes it invaluable for erosion control on slopes and disturbed sites. The plant readily resprouts after fire, with the above-ground portion typically destroyed but the root system surviving to send up new shoots.

The ornamental characteristics of threeleaf sumac are subtle but appealing across multiple seasons. In spring, before the leaves fully emerge, the plant produces small, inconspicuous clusters of greenish-yellow to pale yellow flowers that attract early-season pollinators including bees, wasps, and butterflies. The defining feature is the compound leaves with three leaflets that give the plant its common name. These leaflets are variable in size and shape but typically deep glossy green, somewhat oak-like in appearance, and may be lobed or toothed along the margins. The leaves have a distinctive characteristic—when crushed, they emit a strong, somewhat unpleasant odor (hence "skunkbush"), though the intact plant has no aroma. Female plants produce small, sticky, sparsely hairy red berries in late summer that persist through fall and winter, providing a colorful accent. The fall foliage display is spectacular, with leaves turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, rivaling the famous fall colors of eastern sumacs.

Threeleaf sumac is an important wildlife plant, particularly for its winter food value. The persistent red berries, though tart and somewhat hairy, are an important food source for numerous bird species including quail, wild turkey, robins, and other songbirds, especially when other food is scarce in winter. Small mammals including chipmunks, ground squirrels, and occasionally deer browse the berries and foliage, though the foliage is generally considered a food of last resort due to its unpalatability. The flowers provide valuable early-season nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators. The dense, multi-stemmed growth habit offers excellent cover and nesting sites for small birds and mammals. Historically, threeleaf sumac had extensive utilitarian and medicinal uses by Native American tribes. The tart, lime-flavored berries were eaten fresh, dried, or soaked in water to make a refreshing beverage similar to lemonade (hence "lemonade sumac"). They were also used medicinally for gastrointestinal complaints and toothaches. The flexible young branches were highly prized for basket weaving and rug making, considered nearly equal to willow in desirability. The leaves were rubbed on the body as an insect and snake repellent, and the roots were used as a perfume and deodorant.

In landscape applications, threeleaf sumac is an outstanding choice for xeriscaping, native gardens, erosion control, windbreaks, and naturalistic plantings throughout the western United States. Once established, it requires virtually no supplemental water and thrives in hot, dry conditions that challenge many other shrubs. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil for best results, though it tolerates partial shade and adapts to various soil types including alkaline conditions. The plant works beautifully as an informal hedge, screen, or massed groundcover for large areas, and its moderate size makes it suitable for smaller properties. It performs exceptionally well without irrigation. With supplemental water, plants can grow larger and more lush, but this may encourage excessive spread. Combine threeleaf sumac with other drought-tolerant natives like Apache plume, fernbush, rabbitbrush, and native grasses. The plant requires minimal pruning—simply remove dead wood as needed, or cut to the ground every 3-5 years in fall to rejuvenate growth. Unlike poison sumac (an unrelated eastern species), threeleaf sumac does not cause skin irritation and is safe to handle. Note that plants are typically dioecious, so female plants are needed for berry production.