Oakleaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata or Rhus aromatica var. trilobata) is a deciduous shrub that tends to form rounded, mounded, or upright thickets. Plants are either male or female. In spring the male plants will produce inconspicuous catkins while the females will feature creamy flowers in clusters. If the female flowers are pollinated, these flowers will turn to red, hairy berries that are a valuable winter food source for wildlife, or can be harvested from the plant for eating or medicinal purposes. The attractive green foliage, that somewhat resemble an oak leaf, will turn to bright shades of yellow, red, and orange in the fall. Oakleaf Sumac is an excellent addition to mixed hedges, wind breaks, woodland or shade plantings, erosion control on steep slopes, or a speciman plant or background plant in garden beds. Pruning will help maintain a more compact, rounded form. Oakleaf Sumac is moderately tolerant of urban pollution. 
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek