SCIENTIFIC NAME
Rhus typhina
DESCRIPTION
This large shrub typically grows to six to nine metres and has compound leaves, meaning each leaf is composed of several leaflets. These leaflets hang down, have serrations (teeth) along the edges and turn a radiant red or orange in the fall. The thick branches are downy and resemble the velvety antlers of a male deer (stag), hence the common name of “staghorn.” Clusters of small greenish flowers form an upright cone that later form crimson red berries covered in fine hairs.
RANGE
Staghorn Sumac is found in eastern Canada, from southern Quebec to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. For species in other regions of Canada, see below.
HABITAT
The Staghorn Sumac is very hardy and generally grows in open places such as roadsides, forest edges and clearings. It likes lots of sun and tolerates most soil types, including poor dry areas. This species is generally pest and disease resistant.
DIET
BEHAVIOUR
undefinedPRIMARY ECOSYSTEM ROLES
Staghorn Sumac growths in thickets, providing shelter for many birds and mammals. Birds such as Evening Grosbeaks, Northern Cardinals and Ruffed Grouse will eat sumac berries in winter and early spring, but often as a last resort. Mammals also make use of this shrub as rabbits, Moose and deer browse on the leaves and twigs. Some butterflies use this plant as food for their young, and sumacs provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects. Sumacs are found all over the world, including the Middle East, Asia and southern Africa. The Staghorn Sumac, however, is native to the southern part of Ontario and eastwards to the Maritime provinces. Other sumac species are found across Canada and all put on a grand show in autumn with brilliant hues of orange, yellow and red. The beauty of our native sumacs continues into the winter with clusters of fuzzy bright red berries.
Appearance
click on the smaller versions.
This large shrub has compound leaves, meaning each leaf is composed of several leaflets. Eleven to 31 leaflets are arranged in opposite pairs along a stalk which grows 30 to 50 centimetres long. These leaflets hang down, have serrations (teeth) along the edges and turn a radiant red or orange in the fall. The thick branches are hairy and resemble the velvety antlers of a male deer (stag), hence the common name of “staghorn.” Clusters of small greenish flowers form an upright cone that yields crimson red berries covered in fine hairs, beautiful against a blanket of snow.
Staghorn sumac
Photo: Sarah Coulber
Sumacs send up shoots that are fairly easy to cut back if unwanted. But if allowed to spread, clumps of sumacs will develop a remarkable shape like a single domed canopy above several trunks.
The leaves of the staghorn resemble those of the poison sumac belonging to the Toxicodendron genus and found in pockets of southern Ontario and Quebec in wet places. But poison sumac leaves tend to be shorter and wider with no serrations along the margin. Interestingly enough, this is the same genus that contains poison ivy and poison oak, a couple of low-growing plants with leaves of three that are potential skin irritants (hence their genus name derived from the Greek toxicon (poison) and dendron (tree). These three species used to be included in the genus Rhus along with sumacs, but were later put in a genus of their own because of certain differences, such as having smooth white berries instead of furry red ones.
Uses
The delicate flowers of the fragrant sumac provide nectar for bees and other beneficial insects.
Photo: Sarah Coulber
Humans have enjoyed sumac berries, which have a zingy lemon taste when picked at their peak, typically in late summer or early fall. Soak berries in cold water for up to 24 hours and then strain carefully to make a refreshing drink or a gargle for sore throats Other sumac parts have been used in a variety of ways: fresh sumac stems have been used in basket weaving, the tannin-packed leaves and bark have been used for tanning leather and the roots have been made into teas that help stop bleeding.
((Caution: We are not recommending the use of these plants for medicinal or food purposes. Many plants are poisonous or harmful if eaten or used externally. The information on food and medicinal value is only added for interest. This information has been gathered from trusted sources yet their accuracy has not been tested.))
Propagation
Fragrant sumac leaves in the fall.
Photos: Sarah Coulber
Sumac male and female parts are found on separate trees, so if you want those brilliant berries, make sure you get both pollen-producing and seed-bearing trees.
Either way, mature sumacs will spread by sending up shoots from their roots. This is great if you have an open area that can accommodate these beneficial shrubs. If you don’t want them to spread, however, cut back your sumacs regularly.
William Cullina of the New England Wild Flower Society recommends in his book Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines to gather berries in the fall or early winter and let them air dry for a few days. Once dried, lightly scuff them with sandpaper and soak in warm water overnight. Plant them outdoors and watch for growth in the spring.
Care
The Staghorn Sumac is very hardy and generally grows in open places such as roadsides, forest edges and clearings. It likes lots of sun and tolerates most soil types, including poor dry areas. This species is very pest and disease resistant.
Fragrant sumac berries
Fragr ant sumac (Rhus aromatica)
- Native to: sSask. - swQue
- Habitat: Grows in open dry woods, clearings, banks, and rocky and sandy areas. Prefers sun to partial shade and tolerates both moist and dry soils.
- Appearance: Low shrub of one to 1.8 metres tall with three leaflets that are aromatic when crushed between fingers. Similar leaf structure to poison ivy. Inconspicuous flowers appear earlier in spring than other sumacs. Small, roundish clusters of fuzzy red berries in mid to late summer. Stems and trunks are hidden under dense foliage that gradually spreads sideways.
Skunkbush (R. trilobata)
- Native to: sSask and sAlta.
- Habitat: Dry rocky slopes, canyons and foothills. Tolerates a variety of soils but prefers sun to partial shade.
- Appearance: Similar height and appearance to R. aromatica but leaves are more obed and berries less hairy. To see an image of this plant, click here.
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
- Native to: Pockets of B.C., Sask - sQue
- Habitat: Found along woodland edges and old fields. Likes sun or partial shade and moist to dry soils.
- Appearance: Similar to staghorn sumac but with hairless twigs. Grows to three to five metres and has 11 to 29 leaflets. You may click for more information and images.
Shining sumac, dwarf sumac, winged sumac (R. copallina)
- Native to: sOnt.
- Habitat: Found in sandy or rocky areas, along edges of woods and in clearings. Likes partial sun and moist to dry soil.
- Appearance: Similar to R. glabra but smaller; reaches 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Leaves have five to 11 leaflets that are smooth along the margins (no serrations). The leaf stalk is 10 to 20 centimetres long and looks like it has wings with a narrow band of leaf-like material growing alongside the stem in between leaflets. Twigs can be both smooth and hairy. Red berries. Slow growing. Click here for more information and images.
To find out where you can acquire your own native sumac, visit CWF's native plant supplier listing.