How to Grow Skunkbush Sumac

Skunkbush Sumac

Rhus trilobata

shrub

Skunkbush Sumac is a low-growing deciduous shrub native to the southwestern United States, known for its aromatic, three-lobed leaves that emit a distinctive skunk-like odor when crushed. It produces small yellowish flowers in spring followed by bright red berries that persist through winter, providing valuable food for wildlife. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant is excellent for xeriscaping and native plant gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed. Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep root system. Reduce watering significantly after establishment. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to mature shrub

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container; bare root plants should be planted with root collar at soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand for drainage improvement Gravel or small stones Minimal organic matter needed; avoid heavy compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in arid and semi-arid climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

First 12 months

Young shrub with sparse branching, developing root system and establishing baseline growth

Water regularly during growing season to encourage deep rooting. Mulch lightly around base, keeping away from stem. Avoid fertilizing. Protect from extreme winter conditions in colder zones.

Vegetative Growth (Year 2-3)

Months 12-36

Shrub fills in with more branching, develops fuller form, characteristic three-lobed leaves become more prominent

Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes drought tolerance. Prune lightly in early spring to encourage bushier growth if desired. No fertilizer needed.

Flowering

3-4 weeks in spring

Small, yellowish flowers appear in clusters at branch tips before or as leaves emerge

Flowers appear in early spring (February-April depending on zone). Maintain minimal water. No special care needed; flowers are self-fertile.

Fruiting & Maturation

Summer through winter

Flowers develop into clusters of small, round berries that ripen from green to bright red or orange-red

Berries develop through summer and persist into winter. Provide minimal supplemental water during dry summers. Allow berries to remain on plant for wildlife benefit.

Dormancy

November-February

Leaves turn yellow, red, or orange in fall before dropping; branches remain visible with persistent berries

No watering needed in dormant season except in extreme drought. No pruning or fertilizing. Berries provide winter food for birds and wildlife.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Desert Marigold Four O'Clock Apache Plume Wolfberry Desert Broom Rabbitbrush Ponderosa Pine (in appropriate zones) Native grasses (Blue Fescue, Indian Ricegrass)

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants requiring frequent irrigation Heavy feeders requiring rich soil Competing shrubs in very tight spaces

Common Pests

Usually not serious. Remove affected leaves if present. Maintain plant vigor through appropriate watering. Insecticidal soap for severe infestations.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions; ensure adequate watering during establishment.
Horticultural oil spray in early spring before new growth. Prune heavily infested branches. Hand-remove if few in number.

Uses

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Wildlife Food Source

Wildlife

The bright red berries are consumed by numerous bird species and small mammals throughout fall and winter, providing crucial nutrition when other food sources are scarce. The shrub also provides shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife. [source]

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Traditional Spice & Beverage

Culinary

Native American peoples traditionally ground the berries into a peppery spice or prepared them as a refreshing drink (sumac-ade), similar to lemonade. The berries have a tart, slightly fruity flavor with citrus notes. [source]

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Natural Dye Source

Household

The leaves and berries can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and crafts, producing reddish to brown colors depending on preparation methods. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Indigenous peoples used Skunkbush sumac preparations for various traditional medicinal purposes, including treating digestive issues and as a general tonic. [source]

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Xeriscaping & Ornamental Use

Craft

The shrub is prized in native plant gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes for its ornamental appeal, including attractive fall foliage colors and persistent winter berries. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries can be collected in fall after they turn fully red but before birds consume them. Harvest small clusters with pruning shears. Berries can be dried for winter wildlife food or used fresh. Traditional indigenous preparation involved mashing berries to create a beverage or spice mixture.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Skunkbush' comes from the distinctly pungent, skunk-like odor released when the leaves or branches are crushed, which some people find unpleasant while others find it pleasant and aromatic.
🌱 This plant is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring and among the last to drop its leaves in fall, providing nearly year-round visual interest and extended wildlife value.
🌱 Skunkbush Sumac was a staple food for indigenous peoples of the Southwest, and the berries were often dried and ground into a powder that could be stored and used throughout the year as a seasoning and nutritious food.

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