shrubN. America Native

Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhus typhina is an open, spreading deciduous large shrub or small tree native to North America that forms dense thickets through aggressive root suckering. The large, alternate, odd-pinnate compound leaves carry 13 to 27 sharply toothed leaflets that emerge bright green before turning brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and scarlet in fall.

This species is distinguished by its young stems and branchlets, which are densely covered in velvety reddish-brown hairs resembling a stag's horns. In late spring, female plants produce dense, terminal, cone-shaped panicles of greenish-yellow flowers that mature into hairy, bright red drupe clusters.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, tropical-looking compound foliage that turns brilliant orange and scarlet in fall, complemented by velvety winter stems.

Excellent for stabilizing dry, rocky slopes and controlling soil erosion due to its extensive suckering root system.

Provides critical winter food for native birds and nesting sites for solitary native bees in hollow twigs.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

295"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short to moderate

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, avoiding low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, then place the plant so the soil flare is level with the ground.
Backfill with native soil without adding fertilizer, as excess nutrients promote weak wood and aggressive suckering.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture while the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

To prevent this species from colonizing lawns and garden beds, install physical root barriers at planting or regularly mow down emerging sucker shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out cankered branches well below infection sites using sanitized tools.
Install physical root barriers if planting near lawns, pathways, or garden borders.
Ensure sharp soil drainage to prevent root rot and verticillium wilt.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive and weak suckering growth.
Do not plant in heavy, wet clay or poorly drained soils.
Do not perform superficial pruning or chopping, which triggers intense root suckering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion control on dry, rocky slopesNaturalizing in large, open wild gardensMass plantings for bold texture and fall colorPioneer species for disturbed or poor soils

Companion Plants

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Monarda fistulosa Solidago speciosa Rudbeckia hirta Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Staghorn Sumac questions

What zones can Staghorn Sumac grow in?

Staghorn Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Staghorn Sumac deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Staghorn Sumac, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Staghorn Sumac bloom?

Staghorn Sumac typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Staghorn Sumac need full sun?

Staghorn Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Staghorn Sumac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Staghorn Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.