Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Rhus trilobata Nuttall
(Limitas, Lemonadeberry, Skunkbush)
Family: Anacardiaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
By var., see Allred
Rhus trilobata is common throughout the Gila Wilderness. Its small groups
of yellow flowers appear before the shrub leafs out in the spring. The leaves, as the name suggests, are deeply cleft into three lobes. The fruits are red and pubescent. In the autumn, Rhus trilobata (along with Quercus gambelii) provides much of the color to the area. In the winter, small purplish red buds form early on hairy new branches.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Rhus trilobata, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Knight Mtn., May 9, 2007

Rhus trilobata, blossoms before leafing out in spring, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Cyn., Mar. 24, 2008

Rhus trilobata, fall color, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CD trail at Rte. 90, Oct. 25, 2008

Rhus trilobata, leaf in fall color, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CD trail at Rte. 90, Oct. 25, 2008

Rhus trilobata, 1x macro of purple buds on hairy new branch, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Blackhawk Canyon, Jan. 4, 2009

Rhus trilobata, closeup of flowers, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, March 15, 2009

Rhus trilobata, closeup of fruits, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Scott Park, May 20, 2009

Rhus trilobata, new leaves are fringed in pink, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Scott Park, May 20, 2009

Rhus trilobata, closeup of winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, December 27, 2009

Rhus trilobata, 3x macro of buds on winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, December 27, 2009
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