Oakbrush sumac

Rhus aromatica

Formerly R. trilobata. Deciduous thicket-forming shrub up to 8 ft. tall with bright red berries and small yellow flower clusters, blooming March to October. Widely adapted, occurring on well-drained, rocky soils in woodlands, valley bottoms, mid to high deserts, low mountain habitats, roadsides and riparian communities; up to 9,000 ft. elevation. Deep roots and spreading rhizomes. Smaller and less aggressive than Smooth sumac (R. glabra). Used for restoration, landscaping hedges and rehabilitating disturbed sites such as cutbanks. Browsed by elk, deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn; occasionally by livestock. Provides cover for many species of birds and small mammals. Berries are an emergency winter food source for various birds including, prairie chickens, wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, sage-grouse and others. Attracts numerous small native bees, flies and butterflies. Caterpillar host of Neumoegen's buckmoth, Splendid royal moth and Phoenix emerald moth.