Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac, also known as Rhus Typhina is in the family Anacardiaceae and is a species of a flowering plant. They can be found in the Appalachian Mountains, Midwestern and Northeastern areas of the United States, and primarily in Southeastern Canada. This tree is mainly found in a temperate climate and is widely cultivated as an ornamental.

They thrives in well-drained soil that is amended with organic matter and grows best when planted in a location with total sun exposure. It typically reach 15 feet but can grow as tall as 30 feet in ideal conditions. The branches spread into a wide canopy as the tree matures.

Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous shrub and possibly grows 6 meters wide by 5 meters tall, and rust color hairs densely cover the stems and leaf petioles

The branches of the tree got their name from its forking pattern branches that look like antlers and over time evolved to the common name "staff's horn sumach." Also, female or male plants are formed from large clumps since it is dioecious. 

The clusters are comic and are 2-2 inches wide and 2-8 inches long, and the plant flowers ripen from June to September and the plant flowers from May to July. Yellow, Orange, and Red colors make up the vibrant colors in autumn, and the fruit may last from winter to spring. 

The tree is a plant that aggressively grows and distributes its seeds by rhizomes to create colonies (old in the center, young out). Smaller gardens cannot really accommodate the tree even though it's known to be an ornamental plant that provides interest all through the year. However, since the tree has an intense, suckering habit makes the plant noncompatible with smaller gardens. They may grow in many different conditions, such as poor soil and dry soil; other plants usually aren't able to grow.

Landscapers are known to create a crown effect so that it looks like a plan tree by removing all but the top branches. It was in the 17th century when the tree was introduced to Europe and is a well-liked plan in gardens. 

This tree grows in Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. This deciduous tree is often found in shrub-like groupings with other staghorn but grows as a single tree. The tree propagates easily when left undisturbed and can withstand a variety of unfavorable conditions, including rocky soil and high salt exposure.

During winter, they can be cut to ground level every four years to encourage abundant new growth. It is a popular landscaping choice, as the plant produces stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red foliage during autumn. It has a shallow root system that prevents erosion, making it an ideal choice to reinforce sloped lawns and stream banks. The tree's low, the wide canopy is also suitable for creating privacy barriers and windbreaks that protect more sensitive plants.

The tree is easy to recognize thanks to the bright red, pyramid-shaped clusters of berries that appear in mid-to-late summer. Like the branches, the fruits of the branches are covered in soft hairs. During mid-summer, it produces clusters of pale green flowers that give way to the familiar pyramid of red berries in late summer and early autumn. The fruits often remain on trees until spring.

Both the flowers and fruits are found on the tips of the branches. The alternate, compound leaves have can reach up to 24 inches long on mature trees and have a tapered shape with roughly toothed edges. The leaves on the mature plants are bright green with a pale underside, and the branches are reddish-brown.

Staghorn sumac is for sale online at Tn Nursery

Shipping Information

We dig fresh our plants and ship immediately. We ship US Mail, Priority shipping. You will receive a tracking number once your plants ship. All plants will be fine in their packages for up to 3 days after receiving.

How We Protect Your Plants For Transit

We sell only bare root plants. We dip the roots in tera-sorb silicone gel to retain ample moisture for transit and surround with plastic. This is superior protection for plants in transit for up to 12 days.

Upon Receipt Of Your Plants

Open your plants and inspect the same day received. We offer 3 days to report any problems with your order. Bare root plants need to be planted within 2-3 days of receiving unless weather-related problems prohibit planting. Store in a cool place and keep roots moist and covered with plastic until they can be planted. Water for the first week daily after planting.