Rhus Trilobata
Skunk Bush

Description:
Rhus Trilobata most commonly known as Skunk Bush, sourberry, and three-leaf sumac, it is a deciduous, flowering shrub. The height of shrub ranges between 2 to 12 feet (0.6m-3.6m) but usually average in 4 feet (1.2m). Shrub width can reach up to 6.5 feet (2m) and the height variation can occur due to environment. Skunk Bush has irregular branch pattern, the formation of leaflet is 3, which can be mistaken as Rhus aromatica, which is Western Poison-Oak. The shape and size of the leaf varies with types of Skunk bush. The leaves are also green during spring time but turn into brown during fall. The leaf also has strong stingy odor which becomes stronger when it is crushed. The Skunk bush has a tap root with fibrous root system which it sprouts from crown root. The root is widely stretched out with shallow, woody rhizomes. Skunk Bush form flower in April and harvest berries. These berries also contain strong odor like leaves but are edible. These berries are eaten by plants and the seed is distributed by these animals. The Skunk Bush is also fire adapted plants that it can withstand fire and grows better in burned area. This plant can be found in fire adapted forest.

Distribution:
Skunk Bush is native to the western half of the Canada and distributed widely throughout the western North America from the Great Plains to California and south from Arizona to Northern Mexico.
The interesting thing about Rhus Trilobata is the shape of the plants can be varied depending on the location. Rhus Triloba Anisophylla is found in Washington south to California and East to Utah and New Mexico. Other one such as Rhus Trilobata Pississima is found in California east to Texas and north to Colorado to Kansas.

Usage:
Skunk Bush can be used in various ways usually it serves at medicine but parts of the plant are used on different symptoms. The bark of the plants can be chewed or brewed to treat cold symptoms. The berries are used to relieve gastrointestinal complaints or toothaches. The leaves are brewed to treat many complaints. It also can be served to prevent erosion control or landscaping.

Reference:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=RHTR
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhus_trilobata
http://www.scienceviews.com/plants/skunkbush.html
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/product/82560/
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rhutri/all.html#DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhus+trilobata
http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=7092