How to identify Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)

How to identify Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)

Staghorn sumac, also known as Red sumac, Vinegar tree

Staghorn sumac is readily identifiable by its fuzzy, velvet-like young branches, reminiscent of a stag's antlers. These branches contrast sharply with the plant's large, compound leaves, which can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. In the growing season, its foliage turns a rich green, followed by a striking display of deep red to orange-amber foliage in the fall. The crimson, cone-shaped fruit clusters add ornamental value, persisting through winter after leaves drop.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Staghorn sumac

Velvet-like fuzzy young branches resembling stag's antlers.

Large pinnately compound leaves up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.

Vivid red drupes persisting through winter on female plants.

Rough-textured, lanceolate leaflets with serrate margins.

Distinctive reddish-brown hairy stem with velvety texture.

Detailed Traits of Staghorn sumac

Leaf Features

The leaves of staghorn sumac are alternate, pinnately compound, measuring 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) in length. Each leaf comprises 11-31 lanceolate leaflets, each 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, with serrate margins. These leaflets display a strikingly bright fall color, adding to the plant's visual appeal. The texture is somewhat rough, with a noticeable central vein and finer, parallel lateral veins. This unique leaf structure is a key identifying feature for staghorn sumac.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

Staghorn sumac produces 4 to 8-inch (10 to 20 cm) panicles of tiny greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer. Each flower measures about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and features five yellow to green petals. The flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees.

Inflorescence Type

Panicle

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Stem Features

The stem of staghorn sumac is characterized by its distinct reddish-brown hairs covering the young branchlets. These fine hairs give the stem a velvety texture, making it easily identifiable. The stem color ranges from green in younger parts to grayish-brown as it matures. It has a robust, woody structure, typically measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. Branching occurs frequently, giving the plant a dense and shrubby appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of staghorn sumac consists of dense clusters of hairy, berry-like drupes. Upon maturation, the drupes exhibit a vivid red hue that further intensifies to a dark red as they persist through the winter season. Each drupe is a small, round structure that contributes to the plant's ornamental winter appeal. Notably, these fruits are produced exclusively on female plants. The clinging drupes offer a striking contrast against the winter landscape, adding both visual interest and ecological value as they provide food for wildlife.

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Staghorn sumac and Their Similar Plants

Smooth sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.

Fragrant sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

Fragrant sumac is a North American deciduous plant. It has silky stems and branches, as well as gleaming turquoise foliage that switches colors ranging from yellow to red. When bruised, the stems and leaves emit a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are believed to resemble poison ivy; however, the plant is completely non-poisonous and even appealing to wild animals.

Chinese sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

Chinese sumac is a tiny tree with downy stems and leaves that turn red and drop in fall. The plant is widespread in east and south Asia and is used as an ornamental. The fruits are edible, and the tree is a source of tannins and oil. The gall produced by this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Lemonade Berry vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is a shrub that’s native to California, both on the coast and in the southwestern part of the state. Candles and brown dye can be made with lemonade Berry's tannin-rich oil, and the wood from a fully-grown plant is often used for kindling.

Skunk-bush sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

The leaves of the skunk-bush sumac (Rhus trilobata) have a pungent smell, hence its name. The berries provide food for animals and birds in winter. Many of those creatures also make use of skunk-bush sumac as shelter. The flexible branches can be woven into baskets.

Sugar Bush vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

The resilient sugar Bush is often one of the few structures left standing after a fire. These bushes are very drought tolerant (at least after the first year) and flourish with only occasional rainfall. The sugar Bush grows naturally in canyons and chaparral and has aromatic foliage and red fruit.

Evergreen sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

Evergreen sumac is a shrub that is native to areas of the United States. Its blossoms and fruit attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Its sun-cured leaves were supposedly blended with tobacco for smoking, and its fruit was once used to prepare a drink by the Comanche Indians.

False poison sumac vs. Staghorn sumac: What's The Difference?

False poison sumac is a rare deciduous shrub, esteemed for its clusters of cream-colored flowers and vibrant red autumn foliage. Thriving in sandy woodlands, its low-growing, colony-forming habit showcases resilience against wildfires, embellished by distinctive red berries that beckon birds. This hardy species is a beacon of survival and regeneration in its native habitat.

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Key Facts About Staghorn sumac

Attributes of Staghorn sumac

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 12 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Orange

Flower Size

4 cm to 6 cm

Flower Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Stem Color

Red

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Staghorn sumac

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Staghorn sumac

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Cashew

Genus

Sumacs

Species

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)

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Distribution Map of Staghorn sumac

Staghorn sumac is native to the eastern and central US, Quebec, and Ontario, where it grows along roadsides, swamps, streams, and woodland edges. It has been introduced in Kazakhstan, China, and across southern Europe and is considered an invasive weed in parts of the US and the Czech Republic.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Staghorn sumac

A Comprehensive Guide to Staghorn sumac How to Grow and Care for Staghorn sumac