Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree in the Anacardiaceae family native to eastern North America from Quebec to Georgia, south to Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It reaches 15-20 ft tall with a 19 ft spread (30 ft at 20 years) and has an erect, single-crown form with distinctive velvety branches. The coarse foliage turns scarlet in fall and the red fruit persists into winter.

Staghorn sumac is hardy in zones 3a-8b and prefers sun to part shade with well-drained soil (pH 4.5-7.2) and low water needs, requiring a minimum 20-inch root depth. It is CaCO3-tolerant and has one cultivar in the trade. The fruit has a high edibility rating (4/5) but the plant has weed potential through rhizomatous spread.