Rhus typhina, commonly known as Staghorn Sumac, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its striking red fruit clusters and fuzzy branches that resemble the antlers of a stag. The plant prefers temperate climates and goes through a dormancy period during the winter months.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rhus typhina, the staghorn sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae, native to eastern North America. It is primarily found in southeastern Canada, the northeastern and midwestern United States, and the Appalachian Mountains, but it is widely cultivated as an ornamental throughout the temperate world. It is an invasive species in some parts of the world.
The Latin specific epithet typhina is explained in Carl Linnaeus and Ericus Torner’s description of the plant with the phrase “Ramis hirtis uti typhi cervini”, meaning “the branches are rough like antlers in velvet”.
Rhus typhina is a dioecious, deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m (16 ft) tall by 6 m (20 ft) broad. It has alternate, pinnately compound leaves 25–55 cm (10–22 in) long, each with 9–31 serrate leaflets 6–11 cm (2+1⁄4–4+1⁄4 in) long. Leaf petioles and stems are densely covered in rust-colored hairs. The velvety texture and the forking pattern of the branches, reminiscent of antlers, have led to the common name “stag’s horn sumac”. Staghorn sumac grows as female or male clones.
Small, greenish-white through yellowish flowers occur in dense terminal panicles, and small, green through reddish drupes occur in dense infructescences. Flowers occur from May through July and fruit ripens from June through September in this species’ native range. Infructescences are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long and 4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄4 in) broad at their bases. Fall foliage is brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Fruit can remain on plants from late summer through spring. It is eaten by many birds in winter.
Staghorn sumac spreads by seeds and rhizomes and forms clones often with the older shoots in the center and younger shoots around central older ones. Large clones can grow from ortets in several years.
Within Anacardiaceae, staghorn sumac is not closely related to poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), even though they share the name “sumac”.
In late summer some shoots have galls on leaf undersides, caused by the sumac leaf gall aphid, Melaphis rhois. The galls are not markedly harmful to the tree.
Staghorn sumac is an ornamental plant which provides interest throughout the year; though its vigorous, suckering habit makes it unsuitable for smaller gardens. It can grow under a wide array of conditions, but is most often found in dry and poor soil on which other plants cannot survive. Some landscapers remove all but the top branches to create a “crown” effect in order to resemble a small palm tree.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Staghorn sumac prefers full sun, but can also be grown in slight shade. It is recommended to plant it in a more open location that can provide it 6 or more hours of sunlight per day. When it gets adequate light, its leaves turn beautiful bright red or orange-yellow in fall.
Temperature
Staghorn sumac is distributed throughout temperate and subtropical regions, and prefers warm, humid conditions. It is hardy to cold and can tolerate low temperatures of -7 ℃. Staghorn sumac can tolerate some drought but not standing water, so do not plant it in low-lying locations. In rainy seasons or locations, pay attention to soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering
Staghorn sumac does not have a high water requirement. You should water it frequently right after transplanting and during the sapling stage, after which you can gradually reduce the frequency. Keep the soil moist during the seedling stage, but it is best not to overwater, so as to prevent leggy growth.
In spring, it’s sufficient to water deeply once a month. In summer, natural rainfall generally meets its needs, but you should apply additional watering during drought. Watering once in the late fall is sufficient for the whole winter.
Soil
Staghorn sumac is adaptable and can grow in many types of soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil of pH 5.5-7.5, but can adapt to mildly alkaline soil. Staghorn sumac can grow in poor gravelly soil under drought, but naturally, rich, fertile and well-drained soil is better for its growth.
Fertilizing
Staghorn sumac can tolerate poor soils, but adequate fertilizer will promote its growth and produce flourishing foliage. Before planting, thoroughly mix organic fertilizer into the soil to enrich the soil nutrients.
Right after planting, an application of urea once in spring promotes growth and reduces the risk of pests and diseases. An application of phosphorus-potassium-rich fertilizer in early summer promotes flowering. You can also use an organic fertilizer once in late fall to provide nutrients for the winter. Avoid using a large amount of fertilizer once; although it promotes the growth of staghorn sumac, it can result in increased susceptibility to pests, diseases, and frosts in winter.
Planting Instructions
Transplant staghorn sumac before it sprouts in spring or after leaves falling in fall. Start by digging a pit in a sunny, elevated place. The pit should be as deep as the height of the root ball, and wider than its width. These dimensions give the roots enough space to grow. Once planted, compact the soil and water deeply. Generally, the plant doesn’t need watering again after new buds sprout.
Pruning
Staghorn sumac does not require much pruning. Pruning some of the lower and side branches in winter to early spring is fine. During this period, staghorn sumac grows slowly, so pruning has less impact on the tree. Not only does pruning reduce wasted nutrients and promote plant growth, but it also helps the emergence of strong new branches in the following year, as well as gradual crown renewal. In daily maintenance, prune branches that are dry, overgrown, or infected with pests and diseases.
Propagation
Staghorn sumac can be propagated by sowing, division, and cutting. Cutting is the most effective and has the highest survival rate. Cut 15 to 20 cm-long branches and insert in soil. Propagation by cutting not only produces faster-growing trees, but preserves the good characteristics of the parent plant.
Overwintering
After snowfall, pile the snow cleared from your garden around the trunk of your staghorn sumac. This will not only help to maintain the soil temperature, but also adds moisture to the soil once the snow melts.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is popular for its peculiar red fruits and long-lasting leaves which shade deep oranges and reds in fall. Since this is a tall-growing shrub it is best placed at the back of beds and borders where it is a valued addition to informal or cottage gardens. Staghorn sumac combines well with Aster ‘Little Carlow’, Jerusalem sage, and tufted hair grass.
- Culinary uses
The fruit of sumacs are edible. They can be soaked and washed in cold water, strained, sweetened and made into a pink “lemonade” sometimes called “Indian lemonade”. The drink extract can also be used to make jelly. The shoots can be peeled and eaten raw.
- Other uses
The fruit was found to have certain natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
All parts of the staghorn sumac, except the roots, can be used as both a natural dye and as a mordant. The plant is rich in tannins and can be added to other dye baths to improve light fastness. The leaves may be harvested in the summer and the bark all year round.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Collect staghorn sumac seeds in the fall when the fruits turn red. Collect, wash, and dry the seeds and store them in a dry, cool place.
Find Where to Buy the Best Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
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