Three-leaf sumac
Rhus trilobata
Three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–6 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to part. Bombproof native. Brilliant fall color. 'Autumn Amber' is a low-growing Plant Select form.
Colorado nativelow water4–6 ft tall and 4–8 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Rhus trilobata
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Autumn Amber'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 4–6 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun to part
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, sandy, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Good for
- hellstrip, slope, south wall
Planting & establishment
Tough — minimal water needed after first summer. Suckering form spreads slowly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Three-leaf sumac good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Three-leaf sumac is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Three-leaf sumac get?
- It matures to about 4–6 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide.
- How much water does Three-leaf sumac need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Three-leaf sumac native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
