Staghorn Sumac - Rhus typhina

Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous tree known for both its brilliant red orange color in the fall, and for its vertical red berries.

Plant Details - Staghorn Sumac

Family: Anacardiaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 20 – 35 ft.

Spread: 20 – 35 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Staghorn Sumac

The Staghorn Sumac is an attractive, native tree that is deciduous and low maintenance. This is a great tree to have, particularly in a bare landscape that wants to have a small thicket of Staghorn Sumac develop throughout the years, as it produces root suckers.

This tree has compound green leaves. The newest branches of this tree are covered by an almost velvety material, giving it its name – like the velvety fuzz of deer antlers.

This is a low maintenance tree that is often seen in disturbed areas such as roadsides, or in woodlands. These spots are great locations for you to plant your new tree! It is also a great option for creating a living privacy wall or hedge.

Plant this tree in a location that has full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting it in a location with full shade.

Plant in a location with well draining soil. Avoid planting in very wet, poorly draining soil, or in a location with compacted soil.

This tree is drought tolerant after it is well established. Make sure to water deeply when it is first planted.

This plant does not need fertilizer to grow but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer to help its overall health.

Bring the wildlife to your landscape! This tree will attract many pollinators and birds. Birds will love eating its dark red berries.

You can periodically cut this tree back to keep it to a smaller height.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Staghorn Sumac will attract many butterflies. This tree is a host for the Luna moth and the Spring Azure butterfly.

This tree is great for supporting erosion control in locations that need more soil stability.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Red

Height at Maturity

Under 25 Feet

Care

Staghorn Sumac thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Prune to preserve form and release dead or diseased branches. Once established, this hardy shrub is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells helps keep it healthy.

Plant Reproduction

Staghorn Sumac spreads by root suckers and seed dispersal.

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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