// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Skunkbush sumac

Rhus trilobata var. simplicifolia

Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata var. simplicifolia) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Mar–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 18 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11a
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Mar–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata var. simplicifolia) — *Rhus trilobata var. simplicifolia* — Skunkbush sumac. Photo via iNaturalist — no rights reserved.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata var. simplicifolia) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Mar–Apr. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, skunkbush sumac pairs naturally with: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis), White sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana), Louisiana artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana).