In short
- Ornamental all season: pinnate leaves and fiery autumn colour.
- Very easy to grow and tolerant of drought, frost and urban conditions.
- Spreads strongly by root suckers — plant with care.
- Crimson fruit clusters persist through winter and feed birds.
- This is NOT poison sumac — Rhus typhina is safe to touch for most people.
Botanical data
- Family
- Anacardiaceae (Anacardiaceae)
- Height
- 3–6 m
- Width
- 3–6 m
- Habit
- Spreading
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Position
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil
- Sandy, Loamy, Humus-rich
- pH reaction
- pH 6–7.5
- Moisture
- Dry, Moderate
- Bloom
- June–July
- Hardiness
- USDA 3a–8b
- Propagation
- By runners, From cuttings, From seed
Characteristics
Forms a spreading, umbrella-like crown on a short trunk or several stems. The leaves are large and pinnate, made up of 11–31 lance-shaped, toothed leaflets. Young shoots are densely covered in velvety down resembling deer antlers, hence the name staghorn. The species is dioecious: only female specimens bear the upright, crimson clusters of small, hairy drupes.
Growing and care
Watering
Practically self-sufficient once established. Does not tolerate waterlogged soil — on flooded sites the roots rot.
Fertilizing
Sparingly — rich soil intensifies the already vigorous root suckering.
Planting
Grows almost anywhere except permanently wet soil. Consider a root barrier to limit suckers.
Pruning calendar
Pruning group: Shrubs rejuvenated each spring (for ornamental stems/foliage)
What and how to cut
In early spring, before growth starts, cut last year's shoots low over the woody base (stubs of 2–3 buds); feed the plant after cutting. Do this only to plants that are already established (usually from the 2nd–3rd year after planting) — do not cut freshly planted ones this hard; let them root well first.
In early spring, before the leaves emerge.
What not to do
Don't do this to plants prized for their flowers on old wood — you will lose the flowering.
Companion plants
Good companions
Tolerate the same dry, sunny sites and mask the bare base of ageing sumac stems.
Cover the free-draining, poor soil under the crown, which suits the sumac well.
Bad companions
The sumac's root suckers emerge en masse among low plants and in turf, displacing them and spoiling the look of the bed.
The evidence level indicates whether the relationship is backed by research, observation, or gardening tradition.
Toxicity
| For whom | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | Mild | The milky sap can irritate sensitive skin. This is NOT poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) — the fruit of Rhus typhina is edible and used as a spice. |
| Dogs | Mild | — |
| Cats | Mild | — |
History and origin
Introduced to European gardens from North America in the 17th century as an ornamental tree. Thanks to its easy cultivation it spread quickly, but through vigorous root suckering it has naturalised and is now treated as invasive on disturbed ground in many countries.
Uses
Planted as a specimen for difficult, dry and sunny sites, on slopes and embankments, and in pollution-tolerant urban greenery. Because of the suckers it works best where it can spread freely or is confined by a root barrier.
Trivia
- The sour fruit clusters can be steeped in cold water for a refreshing, lemony drink, and dried and ground they are the Middle Eastern spice sumac.
- The name refers to the sour, vinegar-like taste of the tannin-rich fruit, once used for tanning leather.
Frequently asked questions
Is staghorn sumac poisonous?
It should not be confused with poison sumac (Toxicodendron). Rhus typhina is essentially safe, and its fruit is edible and used as a spice. The milky sap of the shoots can, however, irritate sensitive skin, so gloves are advisable when pruning.
How can I stop sumac from spreading?
Regularly cut or pull out root suckers at the base, avoid damaging the roots (for example when digging), and consider installing a root barrier when planting. Damaged roots respond with masses of new shoots.
Why does my sumac not fruit?
The species is dioecious — the decorative crimson fruit clusters are borne only by female specimens. A male plant flowers but sets no fruit.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)Database (GBIF, POWO…)
- RHS — Rhus typhinaInstitution / botanical garden
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