Description
The staghorn sumac is commonly shrubby, occurring in small groups
from root suckers. It is also encountered as a tree 25'-35' in height and 6"-12" in diameter. The leaves are alternate and pinate and the fruit is borne as a dense cluster of deep crimson dry berries at the top of the tree. The fruits ripen in the fall and persist throughout the winter. It has an irregular open and flat crown.
Location
This shrub is a native of the Eastern United States, from Indiana,
north into Canada, and south to Alabama and Georgia. It grows naturally on rocky hillsides and dry banks, mostly on limestone derived soils.
Culture Light: Requires full sunlight. Moisture: Will grow on drier soils as well as moist sites. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 - 8. Propagation: Rooted cuttings.
Usage
Sumac has been cultivated in Europe for centuries as an ornamental
prized for its vivid fall foliage and distintive fruit. Indians in this country made a drink from the fruit which tastes like lemonade and has a high vitamin C content. Sumac bark and fruit are high in tannin, and were once used to tan leather.
Features
In winter the bare forked branches with their short heavy twigs resemble the antlers of a deer in velvet giving rise to the common name. The dark red fall foliage and fruit make this fast growing tree a valued ornamental.
sl 09/02/97; updated 10/23/99 js
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Description
Location
Usage
