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.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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