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Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac

(Velvet Sumac)                        

Rhus Typhina

Native to the maritime provinces and beyond. The name is derived from the wooly textured branching and structure that resembles a stag’s antlers. This small tree (or large shrub) grows fast and tends to colonize areas with its extensive runners and root sprouts. An ornamental tree with leaves that turn orange and scarlet in fall. Tall erect clusters of red, fuzzy fruits that persist through the winter providing a valuable food source for birds. Male and female flowers are on separate trees and provide a source of nectar for bees. Only female trees will don the attractive red fruits. Plant at least 2 trees together to increase chance of fruit production.

Please note, that my trees are grown from seed so sex of tree is unknown until maturity.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America

Height

Small (under 30ft)

Width

Narrow

Form

Irregular, Multi Stemmed

Growth Rate

Fast

Longevity

Moderate (50 to 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Dry, Slightly Alkaline

Other Tolerances

Occasional Drought, Road Salt, Walnut Toxicity

Ornamental Interest

Fruit, Leaves (colour)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterflies (flowers), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Large Mammals (leaves)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood)

Seed Collection

Personally in NB

Planting Considerations

Late Leaf Out, Produces Suckers, Shallow Roots