Basic Information

 

The growth and height pattern of the sumac shrub depends on the geographic location of the plant. Sumac shrubs growing in the northern regions can reach 7 feet tall. Shrubs in southern regions usually reach 4 feet in height and are round in shape. (1) Sumac shrubs have thicket branches and twigs that are long and flexible. When branches are broken they have an unpleasant aroma which is why it is nicknamed the skunk-bush. (7) The flowers are small white/yellowish clusters that bloom in the spring. (5,6)

The leaves are alternate and 3-6 cm long. Each leaf has three leaflets which are variable in size and shape of the bush. The leaves are green in the summer and turn red/orange in the fall. (5,7,8) The fruit of the sumac shrub have sticky hairy berries that are red to orange in color. These berries are acidic and have a smell similar to limes. (1,5) These shrubs grow in dry slopes, mesas, valleys, canyons, along streams, and in the mountains. (1,6,8)