Rhus trilobata
 
Skunkbush

Inflorescence of Perfect Flowers, Side View

Hidden Valley Nature Area
East of Craven in the Qu'Appelle Valley
05-May-07

Note each flower is subtended by one bract and two bracteoles which are similar in appearance to the bract.  This species is polygamodioecious, meaning that there are perfect (bisexual) and male flowers on some plants, and perfect and female flowers on others.

Trilobata: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora (BF) and Flora of Alberta (FOA) leading to this species. 

large shrubs, 1-2 m high; NOT [low shrubs]

plant much branched; NOT [plant with a single stem]

leaflets not over 3 cm long; NOT [leaflets 3-10 cm long]

flowering before leaves appear; NOT [leafing before flowering]

fruit red; NOT [fruit white]

fruit hairy; NOT [fruit smooth]

 

Anacardiaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora  leading to this family. 

shrubs or trees; NOT [herbs]

plants NOT climbing

plants with normal leaves

leaves alternate; NOT [leaves opposite]

leaves compound; NOT [leaves simple]

leaflets NOT leathery

leaflets NOT spinose-tipped

flowers dioecious or perfect; NOT [flowers perfect]

flowers with two floral rings, and with each petal distinct from the others

petals 5; NOT [petal (standard) solitary]

stamens 5; NOT [stamens numerous]

fruit NOT a legume