Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood small tree / large shrub
Plant Family
Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)
Tree Category
Ornamental, Native Shrub/Small Tree, Naturalizing plant
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (Rhus typhina)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3a through 8b. Extremely cold-hardy, surviving down to -40 F (-40 C).
About This Tree
A small, colony-forming deciduous tree or large shrub with an open, spreading, flat-topped crown and arching branches reminiscent of deer antlers. Features velvet-textured twigs and large, pinnately compound light green leaves. Produces dense cone-shaped clusters of reddish hairy berries in late summer.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, pinnately compound leaves 12-24 inches long, composed of 9 to 31 lanceolate leaflets. Leaflets are bright green with finely serrated margins, turning brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, and purple in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, grayish-brown on young stems, densely covered with velvet-like rust-colored hairs on young shoots. Older stems develop dark, velvety-scaly, fissured bark with prominent horizontal lenticels.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, commonly found along forest edges, roadsides, and lakeshores
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (May); flowers late spring to early summer; fruits ripen in late summer and persist through winter; drops foliage after brilliant autumn color in October.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and foliage density. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 15-25 feet in height with a spread of 15-20 feet. Fast growth rate, short lifespan (usually 30-50 years per individual stem, but suckers sustain the colony indefinitely).
Special Characteristics
Brilliant fiery red-orange fall color; highly tolerant of poor, dry, or rocky soils, erosion control on slopes, and urban pollution. Fuzzy red berries can be used to make a lemonade-like drink ('sumac-ade').
Wildlife & Ecology
High ecological value: fruiting clusters provide crucial winter food for over 30 bird species (grouse, bluebirds, robins, cardinals) and small mammals. Flowers attract native bees and butterflies.