Rhus trilobata?

Here is a link that might be useful: Skunkbush sumac, Scented sumac, Ill-scented sumac, Squawbush, Basketbush, Skunkbush, Fragrant sumac, Aromatic sumac

Ah yes, skunkbush. I knew it was something that sounded bad.

Actually, where this one is growing, it's not bad. It doesn't get very tall, not over 4' and doesn't take over. But then, it's in a heavily wooded area with thin soil too.

This post was edited by marti8a on Sat, Sep 13, 14 at 0:44

A very nice wildlife plant. Does it get much fall color?

We couldn't find a source for this Dallas county native, so went with a 'Gro-Low' cultivar sold as rhus aromatica, the more eastern variety of this shrub. It has the smaller stature and wavier leaf margins of r. triloba, so am guessing it is either a cross or direct descendent of this western line. They're doing well, but show yellow here rather than the bright red fall colors they are known for elsewhere.

It isn't turning yet, and has no berries that I've seen, but I'll keep an eye on it. I dug up a small one to bring to my yard but it didn't live.

Wildflower.org says female plants are needed for the little hairy fruits, but not sure this is right as others say bisexual flowers are present on both genders. Maybe someone else can explain what "species polygamodioecious" implies for fruit bearing on male plants. Ours are small and fruiting very little, but the few berries are still found pretty quickly by the critters.

Here is a link that might be useful: Skunkbush

Don't think you'll have regrets... but even if so, should have years to adjust. We planted deep 2.5 inch pots in partial sun through full shade three years ago this month, and they're just now hitting their stride after getting their roots down. Pretty sure they'll grow faster with more light. No namesake odor unless the plant is bruised or damaged, so we won't have any knowledge of it until they are large enough to require some pruning - which will be a while because we've given them a lot of space.