Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina 100 Seeds USA Company

Rhus typhina, commonly known as staghorn sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) tall and has a spreading, open habit. The name "staghorn" comes from the fuzzy, velvet-like texture of the young branchlets, which resemble the antlers of a male deer, known as "stag horns."

The leaves of Rhus typhina are pinnately compound and alternate along the stems. Each leaf typically consists of 11 to 31 serrated leaflets, which turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.

In late spring to early summer, staghorn sumac produces dense, upright clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers at the tips of branches. These flowers are followed by the development of conical clusters of fuzzy red fruit called drupes. The fruit persists on the plant throughout the fall and winter, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife. The fruit clusters are visually striking and add interest to the winter landscape.

Staghorn sumac is adaptable to various soil types and environmental conditions, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is often found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.

Similar to smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), staghorn sumac has been used for medicinal purposes and as a source of dye. Additionally, certain Native American tribes historically utilized various parts of the plant for traditional purposes, including treating ailments and making beverages. However, caution should be exercised, as some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when handling certain parts of the plant.

Growing Instructions

1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
2. Soak the seeds in water for several hours.
3. Put a mixture of potting soil and sand or perlite into a pot with drainage holes in the base. The soil should be moist and well-drained.
4. Sow the seeds on the soil.
5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
6. Water the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
7. When the plants are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.