(Rhus typhina) Deciduous. Zones 3 – 8.

Staghorn Sumac is an exotic looking shrub that is both ornamental and wonderfully beneficial to animals and people. It is named for its thick, velvety branches that resemble the antlers of a male deer, or stag.

It has lovely ornamental features, from its velvet red-brown fruiting clusters, sculptural branches, serrated leaflets, and stunning scarlet-orange fall foliage. It grows quite large – up to 6 metres.

The fruits of the Staghorn Sumac are crimson and juicy when mature, and encapsulated by soft, sticky, velvety red-brown clusters at the tip of the twigs. Sumac berries have a zingy lemon taste when harvested in late summer or early Fall. Steeped, they make a refreshing drink. Add a few ice cubes and you’ve got yourself wild pink lemonade! This deliciuous concoction also doubles as a soothing gargle for sore throats.

Staghorn Sumac has a forked and spreading trunk and will form thickets in the wild by self-seeding and suckering, providing excellent cover for wildlife and birds. It is a source of food for young butterflies, and nectar for bees and other beneficial insects.

The Sumac leaves and fruit can be boiled down to make ink, and dried, aromatic leaves are great in smoking blends. The roots can be made into teas that help stop bleeding and the sap has been used as a treatment for warts. The bark, leaves, and fruit are all rich in tannin and can be used for tanning leather. Fresh sumac stems are used in basket weaving. An incredibly giving plant!

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Cold Hardiness: Zones 3 – 8

Edible: No.

Size: Small tree.

Growth Rate: Medium – Fast

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Native Plant: Yes

Germination: 70 – 90%

Sun requirements: Full Sun to partial shade.

Soil Requirements: Rich, slightly acidic soil. Medium moisture.

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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

For best results, sow seeds outdoors in Fall. If sowing indoors…

SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds for 24 hours, start with hot tap water. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.

STRATIFICATION: 90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture

POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep. Seeds require light to germinate, 8 hours during the day and 16 hours of darkness. Ideal temperatures for germination are 15-20°C. Water evenly and regularly. 

GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30 days.