Overview
Rhus typhina is a suckering deciduous shrub in the genus Rhus, part of the Anacardiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Rhus typhina grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland and Massachusetts.
About
Rhus typhina, the staghorn sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae, native to eastern North America. It is primarily found in southeastern Canada, the northeastern and midwestern United States, and the Appalachian Mountains, but it is widely cultivated as an ornamental throughout the temperate world.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhus typhina
About the genus
Sumac or sumach —not to be confused with poison sumac—is any of the roughly 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus of the cashew and mango tree family, Anacardiaceae. However, it is Rhus coriaria that is most commonly used for culinary purposes. Sumac is prized as a spice—especially in Arab cuisine, and other Eastern cuisines—and used as a dye and holistic remedy.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sumac", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sumac
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rhus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Rhus typhina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub, small tree
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts
- Toxicity
- Toxicity to humans if ingested in large quantities; sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhus typhina
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soils and drought once established; can spread by suckers
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to control spread
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Coral spot, Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rhus typhina?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soils and drought once established; can spread by suckers.
Where is the best place to plant Rhus typhina?
Rhus typhina prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhus typhina need?
Rhus typhina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Rhus typhina?
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to control spread.
How big does Rhus typhina grow?
Rhus typhina reaches a height of 6.0 m.
Is Rhus typhina hardy in the UK?
Rhus typhina has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Rhus typhina?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is Rhus typhina toxic?
Toxicity to humans if ingested in large quantities; sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.