Sumac, Staghorn

STAGHORN SUMAC  Rhus typhina

• A striking, architectural native shrub or small tree known for its tropical‑looking foliage, bold structure, and brilliant fire‑red fall colour—one of the most intense of any hardy plant.
• Produces upright clusters of fuzzy, deep‑red fruiting cones (drupes) in late summer that can be soaked in water and used for making sumac lemonade, or dried and used as a spice. These persist through winter, providing food for birds and visual interest against snow.
• New branches are covered in soft, velvety hairs resembling deer antlers in velvet—hence the name Staghorn.
• Spreads by suckers to form colonies, making it excellent for naturalized areas, slopes, erosion control, and wildlife plantings; can be maintained as a single‑stem small tree with regular sucker removal.
• Exceptionally hardy and thrives in poor, dry, rocky, or sandy soils; highly tolerant of heat, drought, and exposed prairie sites.
• Full Sun
• Zone 3, 3–6 m Height × 4–6 m Width