Rhus typhina Seeds | Staghorn Sumac
LATIN NAME: Rhus typhina
COMMON NAME: Staghorn Sumac
Plant Profile
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is a large, open, deciduous shrub in the cashew family, native to eastern north America. It spreads quickly by suckering roots into a bold, dramatic colony, and it stands cold, drought and poor soils well. Give it full sun and deep, fertile ground. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the cashew family, Rhus typhina is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. For a shrub of such bold presence, staghorn sumac has a steady and growing record of research. Contemporary seed practice means a grower can raise it confidently with standard techniques.
Uses & Benefits
Staghorn Sumac brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, staghorn sumac is a generous shrub of the eastern woods. For a grower, staghorn sumac is an easy and striking shrub, and for a gardener it brings velvet antlers of fruit and a flame of autumn colour. Rhus typhina, staghorn sumac, is a vigorous deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Sumacs give the tangy, vitamin-C-rich red spice of Middle Eastern cooking and the traditional sumac-ade of North America; their tannins tanned leather and dyed cloth for millennia.
Growing from Seed
Staghorn Sumac grows readily from seed. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide full sun. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
It forms a large, open, deciduous shrub, which makes spacing and siting straightforward. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Staghorn Sumac often pair it with these related subjects: