Skunkbush
Rhus aromatica var. trilobata

Family: Sumac (Anacardiaceae)
AKA: Lemonadeberry, Three-Leaf Sumac,  Squawbush, Limita
Photo taken on: June 4, 2009
Location: Bandelier National Monument, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Canyons, mesas

Grows 3 to10 feet tall, sometimes in thickets. The wood gives off a strong odor when bruised. Tiny yellow flowers bloom in dense clusters before the leaves. Leaves are shiny and divided into three leaflets. Then comes tight clusters of hairy, red berries which have a pleasant lemonade taste. In the fall the leaves turn bright red or orange.