Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina

roos ty-FEE-nuh
15 to 20 ft.
12 to 15 ft.
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low

greenish-yellow

early summer

15 to 20 ft.

12 to 15 ft.

No

eastern half of United States

sun

USDA zones 3-8

hardy to 8,500 ft.

Staghorn Sumac is a vigorously suckering shrub that forms a colony over time. It has large compound leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall.

This plant is very similar to smooth sumac, except the new growth is covered by felt-like hair. Pyramidal clusters of small flowers turn into velvety red fruits in fall. They persist into winter.

low

greenish-yellow

early summer

15 to 20 ft.

12 to 15 ft.

No

eastern half of United States

sun

USDA zones 3-8

hardy to 8,500 ft.

Staghorn sumac is growing very well at the Cottonwood Creek Garden. Its large umbrella shape and interesting leaves make it different from other large shrubs.

The red seedheads are striking in late summer and are followed by the brilliant fall leaf color. It suckers continuously, requiring constant removal to keep it a from invading other areas.

Pull up sucker plants and seedlings to control unwanted colonization and prune out any dead or damaged branches.