Plants Plants on the Prairie – White and Yellow Three-Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) (Skunkbrush) Often called Skunkbush because of its leaf’s odor when crushed. Native habitat: native species occurs throughout western US. Autumn amber sumac has been planted in two locations at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. If you plant this sumac in a location with high humidity, abundant rainfall, or soggy soil, the shrub is more susceptible to diseases and poor growth. This is a native shrub with a spreading habit. Native Americans used the branches to create baskets and rugs. It gets the name “skunkbush” because when the foliage is crushed, the stems have a strong odor. It is native to the western half of Canada and the Western United States, from the Great Plains to California and south through Arizona extending into northern Mexico. 6 to 8 ft. A 2014 Plant Select® introduction. Loveland, Colorado 80537 Phone: (970) 962-2482 Fax: (970) 962-2938. The more water it gets, the more it will grow. If you want to create a native landscape, then the Three Leaf sumac is an excellent choice for your space. The fall foliage adds an extra pop of color to the landscape. We are a fast, responsive, wholesale nursery distributor dedicated to innovative partnerships with landscape contractors that differentiate us among the competition and together we are growing quality life. 6 to 18 in. It is sometimes known as sweet-scented sumac. Mature height 7 to 8’, spread 2 to 3’. It is the perfect choice for a native garden at a home or business. Zone 3 Full sun, deer resistant. Other sources call it three-leaf sumac, skunkbush, lemonberry sumac and in the older literature, squawbush. This year, the list will become available in November. Native Americans used the branches to create baskets and rugs. Given its many branches, three-leaf sumac provides both nesting material and structure for native bees. With its height, the Three Leaf sumac excels as an unpruned hedge. This shrub is native to the Colorado area, and you often find it growing naturally throughout the state. Colorado, United States, North America. Actually, it’s a … In the springtime, you will notice that the flowers start to bloom before the leaves. These shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. It is a Western Native deciduous shrub, which grows from 4 to 7 feet tall and just as wide. Three-Leaf Sumac, Skunkbush Sumac. Fort Collins, CO 80525 There are other benefits to this sumac. The shape of the Three Leaf sumac can vary from mounded to irregularly erect. This deciduous shrub can reach a height and width of 6 feet. Mature spread. When used as a windbreak, the Three Leaf sumac can help reduce those harsh winds around your property. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (and enforced by the Colorado Department of Agriculture) has mandated that all nursery containers be called by a name that accurately denotes the true volume of the container. Water recent transplants more often than established plants. Autumn is a good time to mark this one off your list. Native shrubs to Colorado that do well in landscaping include Mountain Mahogany, Wax Currant, Three-leaf Sumac, Sagebrush, Hoptree, Chokecherry, Rabbitbrush, Western Sand Cherry, and Western Water Birch, just to name a few. About Catherine. Threeleaf sumac. It has trifoliate (with three leaflets), medium-green leaves that turn orange, red, and purple in autumn. When establishing the shrub as a screen or windbreak, the Three Leaf sumac could benefit from the use of large stands. However, it is more common to see these sumacs at 3 to 4 feet tall. The USDA calls it skunkbush sumac. The Three Leaf sumac is known by several names, including the basketbush, stinking sumac, or skunkbush. The Three Leaf sumac is known by several names, including the basketbush, stinking sumac, or skunkbush. Fragrant sumac is a dense, low shrub that readily spreads by suckers to form thickets. When you stick to this schedule, the tree will have plenty of time to establish before the freezing temperatures hit the area. Common Names: Stinkbush, Skumbush, polecat bush, stinking sumac, ill-scented sumac, quailbush, squawbush, squawberry, basketbush, lemonade sumac, three-lobed sumac, three-leaved sumac, lemita. You can still find color in the lower section of the canyon with cottonwoods and willows turning bright yellow and three-leaf sumac turning orange-red. The Three Leaf sumac can survive in areas with little sun, but these shrubs prefer to stay in spots with direct sunlight. Once it has established in your landscape, this sumac can perform well without any supplemental irrigation. It does well in very cold and very hot temperatures from -30 to 100 degrees … Every year the Converse County Conservation District puts together a list of seedling trees that are available to the public for ordering. Landscaping with natives on a large or small scale can maintain biodiversity that otherwise would be lost to development. Three-Leaf Sumac Scientific Name: Rhus trilobata This is a tough, drought tolerant, native shrub with small, chartreuse spring flowers that appear before the foliage, and red summer ripening fruit that is a source of food for birds. Categories. (970) 445-3090. The "trifoliate" leaves turn shades of orange, yellow and red in the fall. There is even a native variety to Colorado, called a 3 Leaf Sumac or Stink Bush. Three-leaf sumac is also known as "lemonade bush" because of its lemony red berries. With its deep taproot, it can survive in areas that are prone to forest fires. NPS/Patrick Myers. The Three Leaf sumac is a must-have for those who want a drought-tolerant shrub for their landscape. Sumac, Three Leaf . Rhus trilobata‘Autumn Amber’ Three Leaf Sumac. 4 - 8. They will stay a dark green color throughout the spring and summer. Three-Leaf Sumac; Botanical Names: Family - Anacardiaceae Species - Rhus trilobata Origin - Western U.S., Canada at MEHAFFEY PARK GPS Coordinates: PICTURE There is a distinct smell to them when you work on them. Creeping Three-Leaf Sumac. They can grow in dry soil, including those challenging landscapes with rocky soils. If you plant this shrub in your landscape, you should be ready to see these visitors. Several slender branches grow out from the base of the shrub. Brighton, CO 80603 Check out my e-guide that will teach you everything you need to know. Use the plant water needs as a guideline. Arching branches form a dense rounded shrub with tiny clusters of yellow flowers. Shrubs, Native / Xeric; A Note About Pot Sizes. Not to worry, it washes right off! It brings a graceful vegetative life to sunny, wide open spaces. 8,000 ft. Autumn Amber sumac is a perfect ground cover shrub that can serve as living mulch, especially if you are weary of your mulch blowing away in the wind. Threeleaf sumac is a very tough, drought-tolerant native shrub. Wyoming Highway 130 You can use the fruits to create a drink that has a similar taste to lemonade. Botanical & Ecological Characteristics: Autumn Amber sumac by Plant Select Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Three-Leaf Sumac, Squawbush Sumac, Skunkbush Sumac, Fragrant Sumac, Aromatic Sumac, Pole-cat Bush (Rhus trilobata) supplied by member... PLANTFILES. Rhus trilobataSize: Up to 4 feet high; up to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: ExcellentCold Hardiness: ExcellentGrowth Rate: Rapid to moderateLife Span: ModerateElevational Range: Up to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: Excellent alkaline toleranceWildlife Value: Excellent for birdsMisc: Native; lemony tasting berries Please visit NRCS's fact sheet for more detailed information. Hardy to -30°F Maximum Elevation: 9,000 Feet: Mature Size (generic) SHRUB (4-6') Fall Color: Dramatic: Features: Grown For Attractive Foliage, Winter Interest Sumac’s make great yard trees in Colorado since they are very hardy. Autumn amber sumac is a low, spreading deciduous shrub that makes a great groundcover for hot, dry sunny locations. Shrubs, Native / Xeric; A Note About Pot Sizes. The name skunkbush comes from the odor of the shrub, which many people find unpleasant and I have never noticed. A spreading shrub for urban landscapes – Autumn Amber three leaf sumac. It is Rhus trilobata in the sumac and poison ivy family, Anacardiaceae. Not Available for Spring 2021: 243 (LT - Wood's Rose - Rosa woodsii) Sold Out In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. Available: www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rhutri/all.html [2020, March 13]. Although it does flower, they are small and not very noticeable. This tough, colorful native shrub provides added interest to your xeriscapes. The root system spreads out about 9 feet from the tree. The leaves transform into bright oranges, reds, and yellows for the autumn season. With a few of these shrubs in those problem spaces, you can stabilize the soil on slopes, terraces, and banks. Actual plant water needs will vary for several reasons, including weather conditions, soil type, sun exposure, root depth, wind and elevation. Rhus trilobata 3 Leaf Sumac is a powerful shrub of the High Plains, tolerant of poor soils and drought. Creeping Three-Leaf Sumac | Skunkbush Sumac Location Map for Rhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber' (Creeping Three-Leaf Sumac; Skunkbush Sumac) - 10 Map Locations Found Click a marker pin or a green plant 'dot' for details. By Catherine on October 27, 2015 in. They turn into sticky, fuzzy … = Water twice per month or less, once established. All rights reserved. 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