ExplorePlants

staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina

Staghorn sumac is a bushy plant with bright red berries and fuzzy, antler-like branches. It grows in sunny spots and is great for attracting birds and butterflies!

Habitat: Open fields and sunny areas

Appearance

The staghorn sumac is a striking plant characterized by its thick, fuzzy branches resembling deer antlers in velvet. It produces dense, upright, cone-shaped clusters of bright red berries that persist through winter. Its large leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusRhus
staghorn sumac
deciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgeedible trait badge
staghorn sumac

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even when winter arrives, its bright red berry clusters often remain, adding color to snowy landscapes!

Its fuzzy branches feel soft like velvet, reminding people of a deer's antlers!

This hardy plant is often one of the first to grow in places where the ground has been disturbed!

You can steep the tart red berries in water to make a refreshing "sumac-ade" drink!

Special abilities

Ability

Pioneer Power

Staghorn sumac can quickly colonize disturbed areas and poor soils, helping other plants grow later.

Ability

Winter Feeder

Staghorn sumac has persistent, tart red berries that provide a crucial food source for birds and small mammals in winter.

Ability

Rhizome Racer

Staghorn sumac can spread extensively underground using rhizomes, allowing it to form dense thickets and expand its territory.

Measurements & details

Height
300-450 cm
Spread
300-600 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Velvet Sumac

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always be careful not to touch the berries too much, as they can be sour!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is staghorn sumac?

300-450 cm

How wide does staghorn sumac spread?

300-600 cm

When does staghorn sumac bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is staghorn sumac edible?

Yes

Is staghorn sumac toxic?

None

What is staghorn sumac's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is staghorn sumac pollinated?

Insect

Where is staghorn sumac usually found?

Open fields and sunny areas

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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