This Utah native is an attractive shrub well suited to the urban landscape. It has an upright, rounded form and grows about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. Mid-spring flowers are yellow and inconspicuous, but they are followed by clusters of crimson-red fruit that persists through the summer well into the winter months (and enjoyed by birds). The foliage is lobed, glossy dark green, and aromatic when crushed. The fall color is golden orange to bright red-purple. Well suited for the shrub or foundation border, as a hedge or screen, for erosion control, or in a naturally-styled landscape.
Grow in well drained soil. Otherwise, it is very adaptive, growing in nearly any soil type or pH. Full sun to mostly shade. Rarely requires pruning, though every few years it may be pruned hard to the ground in the late winter to renovate the shrub and encourage upright growth (see Guides). The berries are edible, though tart, and the straight wood was harvested by Native Americans to make baskets (hence the common name). Fire resistant. Also commonly called skunkbush and three-leafed sumac.