Staghorn Sumac

The Staghorn Sumac is certainly one of our most attractive native shrubs, with large and beautiful fern-like foliage, magnificent fall colors of red and orange, and attractive red seed heads. It is easily grown and can reach sizes of 20 feet tall and wide as a tree, or lower as a shrub. It grows quickly, filling in empty spaces, covering banks and edging woodlands or streams. Its spreading habits are useful for large areas, but for smaller gardens choose one of the cut-leaf forms, which are smaller.

• Attractive arching branches and striking fern-like leaves
• Spectacular fall colors of yellow, orange and bright red
• Striking upright, fuzzy red seed heads in fall and winter
• Fabulous and easy native shrub
• Ideal for slopes and filling areas with poor soil

Full sun or partial shade both suit the Staghorn Sumac just fine. It grows in virtually all soils, including poorer ones and urban soils, as long as they are not too wet. Once established it is drought resistant, and usually free of any significant pests or diseases. Plants can be pruned in spring as needed to limit the size, and even cut back completely to the ground, stimulating lots of fresh, new, replacement stems.