
Plants of the Southwest
Rhus trilobata
Three-Leaf Sumac
Three-Leaf Sumac is a deciduous shrub to 6 ft. and just as broad, although more commonly 3-4 ft. tall and wide. Leaves are divided into 3 leaflets that turn rich red-orange in the fall. Tart red berries can be used to make a lemon-flavored drink. Attracts birds. This powerful shrub of the High Plains is tolerant of poor soils and drought. Sow in fall or soak seed 8 hours in water and cold stratify 3 months before spring planting. Zones 3-8.
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