Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive, Poisonous

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

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.