Rhus typhina

Identifying Features

Staghorn sumacs grow up to 30’ tall. Their bark is smooth with horizonal lines.

The leaves are alternate and compound. They have 11-31 leaflets that are toothed. The twigs of this tree are hairy. In the fall, the leaves turn bright scarlet red.

This plant often grows in colonies.

Habitat & Range

Staghorn sumac is native to the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and southeastern Canada. It grows along forest edges and in dry soils.

Life Cycle

The fruit of this plant is a 6" red furry spike of berries.

Featured image by James Dake.