Yes, it spreads aggressively through underground suckers.

It can be invasive in some regions outside its native range.

Plant guide

Staghorn sumac.

Rhus typhina L.

Pronounced ROOS ty-FY-nuh

Also known as Stag's-Horn Sumach, Staghorn Sumac

The staghorn sumac is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking fall color. It gets its name from the fuzzy, velvet like hairs covering its young branches, which resemble the antlers of a stag. This plant is a fantastic choice if you want to add some bold texture and vibrant red tones to your landscape.

Another photo of Staghorn sumac — Photo by Randall H. (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Early to mid summer

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with plenty of space since it tends to spread through suckers. Keep an eye out for unwanted shoots popping up around the base if you want to keep its size in check. It is quite adaptable but performs best when given consistent moisture while it gets established.

Watering: Water deeply once a week during the first year to help the root system settle in.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if your soil lacks nutrients.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead wood or to manage the overall shape of the plant.
Repotting: This plant is best grown in the ground, but if kept in a container, move it to a larger pot every few years.
Soil: Well drained, acidic to neutral soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Safety

People: The sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Children: The fuzzy stems are generally harmless, but the plant spreads via suckers which might be a nuisance in play areas.
Contact allergens: The milky sap may cause skin irritation or rashes upon contact.
Airborne allergens: Pollen can be a moderate trigger for those with seasonal allergies.
Edibility: The red drupes are edible but can be fuzzy and tart, so ensure proper identification before consumption.

How to identify it

Velvety hairs on young branches
Large, pinnately compound leaves
Bright red autumn foliage
Cone shaped clusters of red fruit

Height: 3 to 6m
Spread: 3 to 6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, 15 to 25cm
Fruit: red, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Leaf spot — Fungal spots appearing on foliage during wet seasons.

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: suckers, seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy. Simply allow the leaves to drop naturally.
In containers: It is not well suited for containers due to its aggressive suckering habit and large size.

Sucker Division

Locate a healthy sucker growing away from the main trunk.
Dig down to find the root connection to the parent plant.
Sever the root with a sharp spade.
Carefully lift the sucker with its root ball intact.
Replant immediately in a new location.

Plant in groups to create a natural thicket effect, but keep away from small garden beds where suckering is unwanted.

Grows well with

Switchgrass — It provides a nice textural contrast to the sumac foliage.
Purple Coneflower — These perennials thrive in similar sunny, well drained conditions.

Similar species

Smooth Sumac — It looks very similar but lacks the fuzzy hairs on the stems.

Science

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Rhus
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern North America
Conservation: This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in open, sunny areas and is often one of the first woody plants to reclaim abandoned fields.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, winter bird food
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, erosion control, wildlife garden, naturalized hedge

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it spread?: Yes, it spreads aggressively through underground suckers.
Is it invasive?: It can be invasive in some regions outside its native range.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Rhus comes from the Greek word for red, while typhina refers to the resemblance of its branches to the Typha or cattail plant.

Good to know

The leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall.
It is often called staghorn sumac due to its fuzzy stems.
The fruit can be steeped in water to make a tart, lemonade like drink.
It is a pioneer species that quickly colonizes disturbed soil.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.