‘Autumn Amber’ Sumac

‘Autumn Amber’ Sumac (Rhus trilobata) delivers a tough-as-nails native groundcover with a splash of seasonal drama. This prostrate sumac hugs the ground and stays about one foot tall with spreading stems that weave a lush green carpet through spring and summer, then blaze into rich amber, orange, and red hues each fall. Its dense growth makes it ideal for erosion control on slopes and banks, while its deep roots thrive on neglect and minimal irrigation once established.

Despite its rugged nature, Autumn Amber supports local ecosystems in subtle ways—its early-season flowers offer a spring feast for native pollinators, and its tart red fruits (while not for every palate) are edible and appreciated by birds and wildlife. It’s a no-fuss plant that thrives in full sun, shrugs off drought and deer, and asks for very little in return, making it a go-to for native gardens, xeriscapes, and wild edges alike.