Name: Staghorn Sumac aka Rhus typhina

Type of Plant: A native tall shrub or small tree that can sucker to the sides to create thickets or clusters. This deciduous plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9.

Why I Love This Plant: First, I love the almost tropical look these plants can have. I love that they grow in dry soils, and in fact can be a good plant for holding soils on slopes. I love their brilliant fall color and how the fruits feed the birds. Grow this plant in full sun.

A Word to the Wise:  Do not confuse staghorn sumac with poison sumac. Know that these plants can grow to around 25 feet tall in some locations. And be prepared to simply cut them off if their stems appear where you don’t want them to grow.

This plant works well in dry, sandy soils and on slopes when planted with bayberry (Morella pensylvanica).

In June the staghorn sumac flowers appear. Since they are pale, many people don’t notice them.

Sumac struts its stuff in the fall with amazing yellow to red foliage.

Once the seeds form and turn red, this plant is quite lovely.