1. Three-lobed (Basketbush) Sumac – Rhus trilobata
(roos try-lo-BAY-tuh)
Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
Native to: Thoughout western N. America, including much of coastal and mountain CA; canyons and
washes in coastal sage scrub, chaparral and southern oak woodland.
mounded woody shrub mature height: 3-4+ ft. mature width: 4-8 ft.
Winter-deciduous woody shrub with mounded to sprawling habit. Attractive three-lobed leaves are
glossy dark green, turning yellow/red in fall. Roots deep and extensively branched. Spreads by
sprouting from underground rhizomes. Less sprouting in drier conditions. Rapid growth for first
few years the slows. Lives 20-30 years. Foliage has an unusual aroma when crushed.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Mar-Apr or earlier. Flowers yellow/white, small, in dense clusters opening
before leaves. Male/female flowers on same plant. Dark red, sticky berries in summer – may
persist into fall if not eaten by birds. Fruits edible; make a lemonade-like drink or for jams/jellies.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Increasingly popular as a water-wise garden shrub. Easy to grow, long-lived,
responds well to pruning, and has attractive red, orange to yellow fall color. Good as ground cover
on slopes and banks; spreading root system reduces soil erosion. Useful as windscreen or hedge
(can take shearing). Lovely contrast to light colored foliage plants. All parts used as natural dyes.
Cultivar ‘Autumn Amber’ is a good low-growing ground-cover.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native dense shrubs such as Cotoneaster, Elaeagnus, Photinia
Great habitat plant. Excellent cover for small birds, mammals. Berries important fall/
winter food for many bird species. Occasionally browsed by deer, rabbits. Butterfly nectar plant.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade
Any texture (well-drained best) and local pH; tolerant of many soil types
Drought tolerant when established, though can take a little summer water.
Becomes leggy with too much water. No seasonal flooding.
Can take light fertilizer; but does fine without
Requires little management. Can be pruned to shape (even shearing). Cutting
back to ground every 3-5 years promotes long, unbranched stems. May need to remove suckers.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: hard seed coat; treatments required
by cuttings: dormant root
cuttings & divisions (suckers); also semi-softwood cuttings in summer.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 19
11/8/06
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