Staghorn Sumac
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.
Staghorn Sumac
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.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Rhus typhina
Pronunciation
roos ty-FEE-nuh
Mature Height
15 to 20 ft.
Mature Spread
12 to 15 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
greenish-yellow
Bloom time
early summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
eastern half of United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 3-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,500 ft.
Performance
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.
Maintenance
Pull up sucker plants and seedlings to control unwanted colonization and prune out any dead or damaged branches.