How to identify Skunk-bush sumac (Rhus trilobata)
Skunk-bush sumac, also known as Skunkbush
Skunk-bush sumac is characterized by its low, spreading growth habit, typically reaching up to 3-6 feet (about 1-2 meters) tall. Its leaves are notable for their three lobes, which provide a distinctive texture. During the growing seasons, skunk-bush sumac exhibits lush green foliage, which later transitions to vibrant autumn colors, adding visual interest. It flourishes under full to dappled sunlight, demonstrating versatility in various lighting conditions. The shrub shows resilience in well-drained soils and is particularly tolerant of arid, rocky environments. Its adaptability to different soil types makes it a durable addition to diverse landscapes.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Low, spreading growth up to 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) tall.
Three-lobed leaves with rough texture, shifting to vibrant autumn colors.
Small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters during early spring.
Crimson berries with sticky texture, clustered in small bunches.
Fuzzy, reddish-brown stems with intricate branching pattern.
The leaves of skunk-bush sumac are small, trifoliate, and emit an unpleasant skunk-like fragrance. Each leaflet is typically lobed, resembling a small oak leaf, measuring about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in length. The leaflets are green, turning red or orange in the fall. Their texture is somewhat rough with a slightly glossy surface. The veins are prominently networked, contributing to the lobed appearance. The leaves are crucial for identifying skunk-bush sumac due to their distinctive shape and smell.
The flowers of skunk-bush sumac are small, measuring around 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter, and typically appear in clusters. Male flowers are yellow-green and lack petals, while female flowers exhibit a reddish hue, sometimes accompanied by small petals. Both male and female flowers are inconspicuous and lack a strong scent. The blooming period for skunk-bush sumac occurs in early spring, making their subtle appearance a key identifier during this season.
The stems of skunk-bush sumac are notably fuzzy, covered in fine hairs that provide a soft texture to the touch. They exhibit a reddish-brown color, which becomes more pronounced in older stems. Typically, the stems are slender, averaging around 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter. They display a branching pattern that is both intricate and dense, contributing to the plant's bushy appearance. The fuzzy quality of the stems is a key identifying feature when observing skunk-bush sumac in its natural habitat.
The fruit of skunk-bush sumac is notable for its vibrant, crimson coloration and a sticky texture. These berries typically exhibit a spherical shape, with each one measuring approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) in diameter. They are often found clustered together, resembling small bunches that are adorned with minute hairs, which contribute to their sticky feel. The fruits mature in late summer to early fall, transitioning from green to their characteristic deep red hue upon ripening.
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Scientific Classification of Skunk-bush sumac
