Sumac - Skunkbush
Skunkbush Sumac, rhus trilobata, is a native plant that has small yellow flowers in spring that produce small red fruits in late summer. The bright green foliage turns yellow, orange and scarlet in the fall. This xeriscape plant has an upright ascending form that grows 3-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Skunkbush fruits, which persist through fall and winter, provide a food for birds and small mammals when other foods are scarce or unavailable. It may form dense thickets that provide good hiding and nesting cover for small birds and mammals. Skunkbush has been widely planted at recreation sites, rest areas, and roadsides. It is useful for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and because of the strong root development, for erosion control. It is generally drought tolerant. ... get more information
Burning Bush-Bursting Heart However, in early fall, it draws curious looks with its unique display of fruit. Bumpy, raspberry-red pods hang on the ends of stems and split open to reveal small, smooth, red seeds. " The lower limbs can be removed up to 2' or so and ground covers (foam flower, green and gold, ginger, etc. ) planted to carpet the ground beneath. Grows 4-6'.
