Image of Rhus typhina
Source: OWSL
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Plant Names

image of Shrub
Rhus typhina
Staghorn Sumac
Sumac vinaigrier

Synonyms

velvet sumac
vinegar tree
sumac amarante
sumac amaranthe
vinaigrier

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Red Bloom Period: Jun - Jul
Max Height: 20.0 feet
Max Width: 30.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year Plant is dioecious Need a male and female plant to produce seeds
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
school garden Suitable for school gardens
hedge Can be used as a hedge
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
drought Tolerant Tolerates drought conditions
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Staghorn Sumac is known for its velvety reddish-brown branches, large compound leaves, and brilliant autumn colour. It grows naturally in open fields, woodland edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It tolerates dry, poor soils. Its upright form and winter interest make it a popular choice for naturalized gardens. It spreads aggressively and can form large colonies. It is best suited to larger properties and naturalized areas. It can be pruned to control spread. It is very drought tolerant. Avoid planting near small formal gardens unless spreading is desired.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Rhus typhina
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Rhus typhina

Specialized Bees Supported by Rhus typhina

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)
  • Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
  • Forsythieae (Forsythia)
  • Diervilla (Non-Native Honeysuckle)
  • Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam)
  • Cotnius (Smokebush)
  • Impatiens balsamina (Impatiens Balsamina)
  • Berberis (Barberry)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Soak in hot water and let stand for 24 hour.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
  • Harvesting:
    • Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Not known to be toxic to mammals if ingested.