Skunk Bush
Rhus trilobatafam. Anacardiaceae
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Pl. D6E7 — Rhus trilobata
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IOverview
Overview
Skunk Bush (Rhus trilobata) is a shrub native to the central and western United States as well as parts of Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various habitats within its range. Found from Alberta to Texas and extending into northern Mexico, this plant is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed by humans. Skunk Bush grows up to 1.8 meters tall and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in diverse environments, from prairies to rocky outcrops, contributing to its ornamental value while also serving as an important food source for wildlife and humans alike.
Quick answers
What is Skunk Bush?
Skunk Bush (Rhus trilobata) is a shrub native to the central and western United States as well as parts of Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various habitats within its range.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Skunk Bush thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-6 and can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. This shrub requires dry to moist conditions and benefits from soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8. Propagate Skunk Bush through cuttings or seeds. The fruit, which is edible, can be harvested for use in various applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-6
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Skunk Bush for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple skunk bush planting to gain experience in shrub care.
- 1
What you'll need
A skunk bush seedling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 6.5–8. For containers, use a well-draining potting mix.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a seedling to your garden or container, ensuring it has enough space to grow to about 1.8 meters.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the skunk bush regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal watering once established, as it prefers dry to moist conditions. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the skunk bush in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil, Drink
Other uses:Weaving materialDeodorantDyeMordantoilTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 28 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Anacardiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Anacardiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d6e7487e-6b3a-4fac-8851-6e974c7116ff
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