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Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Cashew or Sumac Anacardiaceae family
Leaves: Compound leaves are large, composed of 11 - 31 sharp-toothed leaflets. In the fall, the top of the sumac's leaves turn bright red, while the underneath is a pale yellow color.
Flower/Fruit: Male (staminate) flowers are yellow. Female(pistillate) flowers are greenish at first, quickly turning red. Fruits are long, red and covered with red hairs, fuzzy. Buds are surrounded by U shaped leaf scars and are hairy.
Form/Habitat: Staghorn Sumac reaches 5-20' in height and prefers dry soil.
Interesting Fact: Bark and leaves are rich in tannin and have reportedly been used to make black ink by boiling leaves and fruit.
Winter Identification: Staghorn commonly grows in stands with the trunk reaching 2 to 4 feet before arms branch off. Look for leftover fruit/flower stalk found at the top (looks like a large cone). Staghorn is commonly found beside highways and along medians.
NWI Status: FACU
Text by Morgan Jenkins for CES301.
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