Afflicted stems develop crusty, black knot-like cankers that cause the death of each stem above the canker. Requires 15 to 18 inches of moisture. Rhus trilobata Perennial, native shrub, grows 2 to 7 feet tall. Flowers in crowded catkin-like clusters, yellowish color, appearing before leaves, forming flattened orange berries. Leaves have 3 rounded lobes, leaves and stems have pungent scent.
Stems woody multi-branched.
Reproduction by seed. Requires 16 to 20 inches of moisture. Sheperdia argentea Perennial, native shrub, grows 6 to 12 feet tall. Cold, drought and alkaline tolerant. Its leaves resemble those of Russian Olive.