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Rhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber'
Three-leaf Sumac
Plant Type:
DECIDUOUS SHRUBSRhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber' (ex: Jonathan Lehrer) - This very handsome form Three Leaf Sumac with displays of chartreuse-yellow spring flowers is another good shrubby deciduous ground covering option. The tri-foliate green leaves with a satiny gloss turn amber-yellow in autumn. This appears to be a close ally of Rhus aromatica; indeed, this may be a west of the Mississippi form. Another more unfortunate common moniker is Skunkbush Sumac because of the odor emitted by crushed leaves. We expect that where deer and rabbits are a problem... almost everywhere except atop Manhattan high rises this character may ward off the furred, four-legged pests. This form was found in Texas and developed in New Mexico at the Los Lunas USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center. 'Autumn Amber' will be most happy sited in full sun planted in draining soil amended with lime. Cutting grown.
Characteristics and Attributes for Rhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Spring / Summer / Autumn
Interesting Bark
- Architectonic
- Mat Forming / Creeping
Autumn Interest
- Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads
- Autumn Leaf Color
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
- Songbirds
Light
- Mostly Sunny
- Full Sun
Attributes
- Drought Tolerant
- Edging
- Shrub Border
- Ground Cover
- Bank
- Massing
- Wildlife Garden
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Moderately Fast
Soil
- Fertile
- Adaptable
- Draining
- Calcareous
Propagated By
- Cutting Grown
Genus Overview: Rhus
Common Name: Sumac
These are the Sumacs, colonizing shrubs which have been largely ignored by North American gardeners. It is true that Rhus has been better appreciated across the pond, as it were. It is finally dawning upon some living on this side of the Atlantic Ocean that this the Sumacs are actually very good 4-season shrubs for those who have the space to accommodate them. Fabulous leaves, large and attractive flowers, great fall color and beautiful “candles” in winter atop architectonic wood are all attractive features. Site in full to nearly full sun planted in fertile draining soil. They are colonizing and require space to spread which they will do with gusto where happy. They make fantastic colonies in fields, roadside, on embankments on the backside of old New England stone walls. Under plant them with evergreen ferns, Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ or perhaps Microbiota decussata, the Russian Arbor-vitae for a complete design. Most are root cutting grown, some from stem cuttings.