Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac)

Staghorn Sumac – Rhus typhina: An In-depth Look

Rhus typhina, commonly known as Staghorn Sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. Cherished for its open, spreading habit, striking red fruit clusters, and vibrant fall foliage, it is frequently used for erosion control, naturalized plantings, and ornamental landscapes.

Staghorn Sumac belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, a diverse group that includes economically and ecologically significant plants such as cashew (Anacardium occidentale), mango (Mangifera indica), pistachio (Pistacia vera), as well as toxic species like poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobium).

Native Range

Staghorn Sumac is native to the eastern and midwestern United States and parts of Canada. It thrives in open woodlands, prairies, roadsides, and disturbed areas, often growing in dry, rocky soils.

Plant Type and Habit

This deciduous shrub or small tree forms dense thickets through root suckers. It has an irregular, open crown and a multi-stemmed growth habit, making it a distinctive presence in natural landscapes.

Size

Staghorn Sumac typically grows 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) in height and 20-30 feet (6-9 m) in width. It has a fast growth rate and can quickly colonize an area through root suckering.

Lifespan

Staghorn Sumac has a relatively short lifespan, typically living for 30 to 50 years. However, its vigorous root system ensures its persistence in the landscape, as it continuously produces new shoots through suckering.

Flowers and Fruits

Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in cone-shaped terminal panicles up to 12 inches (30 cm) long from early to mid-summer. Staghorn Sumac is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants.

Fruits: Female plants produce upright pyramidal clusters of fuzzy, bright red drupes that persist through winter, serving as a vital food source for wildlife.

Foliage

The pinnately compound leaves, up to 24 inches (60 cm) long, consist of 11-31 serrated leaflets, turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The foliage is green above and pale below, providing a striking contrast.

Bark

Young stems are covered in dense reddish-brown hairs, resembling the velvet of a stag’s antlers, which gives the plant its common name. Older bark is smooth and gray-brown.

Hardiness

Staghorn Sumac is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including drought, poor soils, and urban pollution.

Uses

• Ornamental: Valued for its vibrant fall color, striking fruit clusters, and unique, sculptural winter silhouette. Often planted as a focal point in naturalized landscapes.
• Erosion Control: Spreads aggressively through root suckers, stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion. Well-suited for challenging sites such as roadsides and steep banks.
• Naturalized Plantings: Ideal for meadows, woodland edges, and wildlife gardens where it can grow freely and contribute to biodiversity.
• Privacy Screen: Forms dense thickets that provide an effective natural barrier against wind, noise, and unwanted views.
• Winter Interest: The persistent red fruit clusters contrast beautifully against bare winter landscapes, adding visual appeal and attracting birds.
• Woodland: Blends seamlessly into forest margins, open woodlands, and reforestation areas, supporting native ecosystems.
• Native Garden: A valuable addition to native plant gardens, providing habitat for wildlife and enhancing local biodiversity.
• Pollinator Garden: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for gardens designed to support insect populations.
• Winter Garden: Provides structural interest and color in winter with its striking red fruit clusters and textured bark.
• Hedge: Can be used to create informal, natural hedges, offering privacy, wind protection, and habitat for birds and small mammals.
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Wildlife Value

Staghorn Sumac is an important plant for supporting wildlife, providing food, shelter, and nectar sources for various species throughout the year.

Pollinators: The small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and attract bees, butterflies,, and beetles. Honeybees frequently visit the flowers, collecting nectar and pollen.

Birds: The persistent red fruit clusters are a critical winter food source for many bird species, including ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and various songbirds.

Mammals: White-tailed deer and moose browse the leaves and twigs, particularly in late summer and fall. Rabbits feed on the bark and twigs, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce.

Butterflies and Moths: Staghorn Sumac serves as a larval host plant for the Luna Moth (Actias luna) and the Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon), supporting their life cycles.

Deer and Rabbits

Staghorn Sumac is a valuable food source for both deer and rabbits, but it also faces browsing pressure from these animals:

Toxicity

Staghorn Sumac is non-toxic to humans and pets. Unlike poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which causes severe skin irritation, Staghorn Sumac is completely safe to handle. Its berries are not poisonous and have been traditionally used to make a tart, lemon-flavored drink.

Invasiveness

This species spreads aggressively through root suckers, forming dense colonies that can outcompete other vegetation. Its rapid growth and ability to sprout easily can reduce the abundance of species that cannot tolerate the shade it creates. Due to these characteristics, it has been identified as a weed or invasive species in the USA, China, and the Czech Republic.

Find where Staghorn Sumac is invasive in the U.S.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Drought Tolerance: Thrives in dry soils and requires minimal irrigation.
• Soil Stabilization: Extensive root system prevents erosion.
• Wildlife Habitat: Supports pollinators and provides food for birds.

Drawbacks

• Spreading Habit: Can be aggressive and difficult to contain, spreading rapidly through root suckers.
• Difficult to Control: Requires regular maintenance to prevent unwanted spreading in gardens and landscapes.
• Potentially Invasive: Classified as a weed or invasive species in some regions.
• Susceptibility to Diseases: Vulnerable to fungal infections such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot in wet or poorly drained conditions. Leaf scorch may occur under environmental stress, such as prolonged drought or excessive heat.
• Allergic Reactions: The milky sap from branches may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so gloves are recommended when handling or pruning.
• Not Ideal for Small Yards: Due to its size and spreading nature, it is unsuitable for small gardens or tightly managed landscapes.

How to Grow and Care for Staghorn Sumac

Light Requirements

Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It has the best fall color in full sun.

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-drained, dry to medium soils and adapts to sandy, rocky, or poor soil conditions.

Watering

Requires minimal watering once established. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent root rot. Drought-tolerant once established

Fertilization

Rarely needs fertilization. If growth appears weak, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning

Remove unwanted suckers to control spread. Rejuvenate older plants by cutting stems back to the ground every few years.

How to Propagate Staghorn Sumac

Seed Propagation

• Harvest seeds from mature fruit clusters in fall.
• Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to enhance germination.
• Plant in a well-draining soil mix and keep moist.
• Germination may take several weeks.

Root Sucker Propagation

• Dig up a young sucker with attached roots.
• Replant in a prepared site with well-draining soil.
• Water thoroughly until established.

Common Pests and Diseases of Staghorn Sumac

Pests

• Spider mites: Cause webbing on leaves and suck sap from the plant.
• Scale insects: Appear as bumps on branches and stems.
• Aphids: Crowd on new growth, leaving sticky honeydew behind.
• Thrips: Cause silvery streaks and discolored leaves.
• Whiteflies: Form clouds of tiny white wings when disturbed.
• Mealybugs: Appear as fluffy white masses on the plant.
• Oystershell scale: Can cause chlorotic, stunted foliage and dieback in severe infestations.

Diseases

• Fungal infections: Can cause yellow spots, premature leaf drop, and tan lesions on leaves.
• Leaf scorch: Results in crispy brown edges on leaves due to environmental stress.
• Root rot: Causes wilting, yellowing, or dropping of leaves; roots become mushy and discolored.
• Verticillium wilt: Causes leaves on one or several branches to turn red to yellow, wilt, die, and fall off.
• Botryosphaeria canker: Leads to wilting and browning of leaves on affected branches, with sunken, dark-colored cankers on branches.