Skunk Bush, Basketbush, Squawbush, Three Leaf Sumac

Rhus trilobata

Physical Characteristics

Rhus trilobata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Drink Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[62, 85, 92, 94, 95, 149]. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, mixed with cornmeal or made into a jam[183]. The fruit is small with very little flesh, but it is produced in fairly large panicles and so is easily harvested. When soaked for 10 - 30 minutes in hot or cold water it makes a very refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course)[85, 92, 149, 183]. The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antipruritic Astringent Contraceptive Deodorant Deodorant Diuretic Emetic Haemostatic Odontalgic Oxytoxic Stomachic Skunk bush was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes, who valued it especially for its astringent qualities and used it to treat a range of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. Due to its potentially toxic nature, it should be used with some caution and preferably only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The fruit is analgesic, astringent and stomachic[257]. It has been eaten as a treatment for stomach problems and grippe[257]. The dried berries have been ground into a powder and dusted onto smallpox pustules[257]. The fruit has been chewed as a treatment for toothache and also used as a mouthwash[257]. A decoction of the fruit has been used as a wash to prevent the hair falling out[257]. The leaves are astringent, diuretic, emetic and haemostatic[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of head colds[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been drunk to induce impotency as a method of contraception[257]. A poultice of leaves has been used to treat itches[257]. An infusion of the bark has been used as a douche after childbirth[257]. The bark has been chewed, and the juice swallowed, as a treatment for colds and sore gums[257]. A decoction of the root bark has been taken to facilitate easy delivery of the placenta[257]. The roots have been used as a deodorant[257]. The buds have been used on the body as a medicinal deodorant and perfume[257].

Known Hazards

There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.