Rhus typhina

Great large shrub for a naturalistic garden

The staghorn sumac derives its name from its meandering branches, which resemble the antlers of a male deer and are covered with velvety down. During the growing season, it's covered with bright-green, compound leaves that have quite the tropical appearance. Growing 15' to 25' in height, it can easily spread as much in width since it tends to sucker by its roots. The flowers are not showy. However, Native Americans did make a lemonade-type beverage out of the ripe fruits, which are deep red and form a fuzzy, upright cluster on the plant. They mature in late summer and persist into the following spring. Fall color is excellent -- yellow, orange and red all on the same plant. Many plants turn a solid blazing scarlet.