Rhus trilobata‘Autumn Amber’ Three Leaf Sumac

Common Names: Stinkbush, Skumbush, polecat bush, stinking sumac, ill-scented sumac, quailbush, squawbush, squawberry, basketbush, lemonade sumac, three-lobed sumac, three-leaved sumac, lemita

Botanical & Ecological Characteristics:

Autumn Amber sumac by Plant Select

Rhus aromatica SKUNK BUSH by The Jepson Herbarium, University of California

Rhus aromatica var. trilobata by SEINET

Rhus trilobata by Wikepedia

Rhus trilobata by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Rhus trilobata by Oregon State University

Rhus trilobata Nuttby Northen Arizona University 

Rhus trilobata Nutt. skunkbush sumac by USDA

Rhus trilobata skunkbrush by SevenOaks Native Nursery

Rhus trilobata var. trilobata, Skunkbush Sumac by Southwest Desert Flora

Skunkbush by Science Views

Skunkbush Sumac by Extension Utah State Univeristy

skunkbush sumac by Virginia Tech Dendrology

Sumac, Three Leaf – Rhus trilobata var. trilobata by Eldorado Windy Farm

Three-leaf sumac : Rhus trilobata var. trilobata by Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Bonsai Information:

I recommend using copper wire on the tree. I used aluminum wire on my first tree and copper on the second tree. The copper wire is holding the branches in place better then aluminum. You will need to be careful when you prune the tree during the summer. If you prune to late you cut off next years flower buds. If your not planning on showing the tree then prune any time. It likes pruning by the way. It also seems to heal wire scars quickly. The flowers smell nice, the tree stinks hence its nickname. Insects do  not seem to bother it. These trees wintered in the garage with no problems.

Rhus Trilobata – Autumn Amber Sumac

Finished Trees: Updated 06-26-2019 

Tree Number One

2014 Rhus trilobata ‘Autumn Amber’ Bonsai

Tree Number Two 08-26-2019

New 09-29-2020:

Fall has arrived at the Denver Botanic Gardens Bonsai Pavilion.

This tree was donated to the Denver Botanic Gardens. New 10-06-2019

Tree Number One Gallery:

Progression Trees:

Tree Number Two Gallery:

Updated 08-26-2019:

08-26-2019                                              06-23-2019

New tree number two created in 2018 and photographed on 5/2019:

Rhus trilobata ‘Autumn Amber’ Three Leaf Sumac Bonsai Tree #3  New 02-28-2021

Rhus trilobata ‘Autumn Amber’ Three Leaf Sumac Bonsai Tree #4  New 02-28-2021

Vendors:

Check your local nurseries.

Videos: