Plant of the Month,(October 1997)

by Kerry Krumrine*, member of the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association
. Las Cruces New Mexico and co-owner of J & K Growers, Inc

Ruhus Trilobata or Three Leaf Sumac.

The plant of the month for October, chosen by the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association (MVLA) is Three Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata). The MVLA chose this native shrub because of its beautiful display of fall color. Beginning late September, the leaves start turning a bright yellow, orange and red.

It is an upright arching bush, with one inch lobed leaves. Three Leaf Sumac grows from three to twelve feet tall, depending on how much extra water it gets. It spreads up to seven feet wide. This native shrub is deciduous (loses its leaves in the winter) and cold hardy to -30 degrees. It also does well in temperatures to 100 degrees with little extra water. Three Leaf Sumac grows naturally in higher elevations from 3000 to 10,000 feet. It will do well in sun or shade, and will grow faster with regular deep monthly watering.

Plant Sumac as a windscreen or hedge. It is also beautiful planted interspersed with light colored foliage plants (such as Texas Sage or Apache Plume) as a contrast. Because of its strong root development, Rhus trilobata is also excellent for erosion control. It becomes established within a few years, and grows about one foot per year thereafter. The best time to plant this shrub is the during fall season. Plant well before freezing temperatures begin. It takes very little care once established and does not need pruning, unless you desire uniformity.

Small yellowish flowers bloom in the spring, which then turn into small red berries. As this fruit ripens and falls to the ground in the summer, birds gather beneath the bush to feed on them.

Look for Three Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) at your local nursery. You can purchase them in 1 gallon or 5 gallon containers and plant them now.