Skunkbush Sumac & Smooth Sumac
Two robust, native shrub options that offer tough resilience and beautiful fall color for the Black Hills!
Skunkbush Sumac (Rhus trilobata)
A versatile, low-growing native shrub perfect for tough, dry sites and informal hedging.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Size | Height: 2–6 ft Spread: 4–8 ft |
| Growth Rate | Medium: Fills out an area moderately fast via suckering. |
| Foliage/Color | Three-lobed leaves (like a clover) turn brilliant shades of orange and red in fall. |
| Flowers/Fruit | Small yellow flowers in spring; fuzzy red berries (drupes) in fall/winter. |
| Best For | Slopes, dry borders, ground cover, foundation plantings. |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3-8: Extremely hardy for the region. |
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
A taller, more upright sumac that forms dense colonies, offering dramatic vertical interest and fall color.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Size | Height: 10–15 ft Spread: Spreads widely via suckers to form colonies. |
| Growth Rate | Fast: Can spread rapidly and fill large areas quickly. |
| Foliage/Color | Long, fern-like leaves turn an intense, fiery red in the fall. |
| Flowers/Fruit | Large conical clusters of red berries that persist through winter. |
| Best For | Naturalizing large areas, mass plantings, dramatic fall color displays. |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3-9: Very adaptable to local conditions. |
Comparison Table: Skunkbush vs. Smooth Sumac
| Feature | Skunkbush Sumac | Smooth Sumac |
|---|---|---|
| Mature Height | 2 – 6 feet | 10 – 15 feet |
| Growth Habit | Low, spreading mound | Tall, upright colony |
| Fall Color | Orange, red | Fiery red, vibrant |
| Drought Tolerance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Native to Region | Yes | Yes |
| Best Use | Ground cover, low hedge | Mass planting, backdrop |
Why the Black Hills Needs These Native Sumacs
Embrace the beauty and resilience of these local heroes! Sumacs are among the toughest and most rewarding plants you can grow in the Black Hills.
- Unrivaled Fall Color: No other plant in the region delivers the intense, fiery autumn colors of a sumac. They are a must-have for a spectacular seasonal display.
- Built for Tough Conditions: Both species are native to the Great Plains and thrive in challenging conditions—dry, poor soil, full sun, and extreme cold (Zone 3). They are incredibly low-maintenance once established.
- Erosion Control Heroes: Their vigorous, suckering root systems make them the perfect choice for stabilizing slopes and hillsides where other plants would wash away or struggle to grow.
- Wildlife Magnets: The persistent red fruit clusters provide a crucial food source for birds and small mammals throughout the winter, adding life to your landscape even in the snow.
- Versatile Design: Choose the low-growing Skunkbush for a maintenance-free ground cover or a natural border, or opt for the tall, dramatic Smooth Sumac as a backdrop or screen.
Bring home a piece of the native prairie today and enjoy unmatched resilience and beauty!