WSU Clark County Extension
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Staghorn Sumac

Scientific name: Rhus typhina
Taxonomy
Family:Anacardiaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:23 ft
Width:23 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to July
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Staghorn Sumac derives its name from the densely hairy stems and fruit, as in the "velvet stage" of a stag's antlers.

  Morphology:
This is a small deciduous tree that attains a height of 25’ at maturity with an equal spread. The trunk is often poorly formed resulting in a widely spreading open crown. Root suckers do form which will need to be removed in order to improve the overall appearance.

Branches bear compound leaves which are 16”-24” long, consisting of 11-31 lanceolate leaflets. Each leaflet is 2”-5” long with serrated margins. The leaflets are arranged in an alternate fashion. Foliage is green during the summer but yellow, orange or red during the fall before being shed.

Trees are dioecious (male and female plants). The plant flowers from May to July and fruit ripens from June to September. Female trees bear dense hairy panicles which are found at the ends of the branches. Each fruit cluster consists of numerous round (1/8” diameter) fuzzy red drupes. Fruit clusters are held in an upright fashion. The fruit can be held into the winter.

  Adaptation:
Very widely adaptable.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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