How fast do staghorn sumac trees grow?
The staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a loosely formed shrub or weedy tree of fast growth rate, which means it grows at least 24 inches in a season, sometimes more. Winter hardy to USDA zones 3 through 8, it has a flat-topped crown and can grow to between 15 and 25 feet, and will sucker if not tended.
What is the average lifespan of a sumac tree?
The African sumac, for instance, usually is a tall tree that can grow to as high as 25 feet, usually living 50 to 100 years. The staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a loosely formed shrub or weedy tree of fast growth rate, which means it grows at least 24 inches in a season, sometimes more.
Where do sumac trees grow?
Sumacs are flowering woody trees and shrubs belonging to the genus Rhus and cashew family Anacardiaceae. There are around 150 species of sumac, with 14 being native to the US. Sumac trees and shrubs grow in most soil types and are often seen growing in dry and poor soil. Native North American sumac trees grow in USDA zones 3 through 9.
What does sumac look like when it blooms?
Sumac trees bloom in spring, and the flowers persist throughout the summer. Sumac trees are known for their bright red, berry-like drupes that grow in large cone-like clusters. Each small sumac fruit measures 0.16” (4 mm) across. The sumac berries have characteristic fine hairs, giving the red drupe a fuzzy appearance.
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Do sumac trees spread?
The plants are easily spread by seed, but usually far away from your own garden so there is less pulling needed for errant new plants. However, sumacs can spread from underground rhizomes into sometimes–large colonies.
How big do sumac trees get?
10-20 feet tallIt can become a large shrub or small tree 10-20 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide.
Are sumac trees good for anything?
Also known as Tanner's sumac or Sicilian sumac, this species has a number of historical practical uses. The dried fruits are used in spices, the leaves and bark have been used in the leather tanning process, and various dyes can be made from different parts of the plant.
What is the lifespan of a sumac tree?
Staghorn sumac is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 30 to 40 feet with a trunk diameter up to 12 inches and lives about 50-100 years 2,4.
Do sumac trees have deep roots?
While the roots are relatively shallow and may only reach about 10 inches underground, many sumac species tend to spread rapidly. Sumac aggressively reproduces through seeds and grows in dense thickets, cutting off other plants' access to vital nutrients.
Is sumac poisonous to dogs?
2 Most humans are allergic to urushiol and will develop a rash. Note that poison ivy, oak, and sumac are not toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. However, the plant oils should be removed from the pet's coat to avoid transmission to humans in the home.
Do bees like sumac?
Both staghorn and smooth sumac are hardy northern plants. They both produce a lot of pollen and nectar for bees (blooming in June/July for northern climes) and are favored by honey bees.
Is sumac tree poisonous to touch?
Poison sumac releases an oil known as urushiol when the plant is bruised or damaged. Skin contact with the oil of a poison sumac plant causes an allergic skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. All parts of a poison sumac plant are poisonous and the oils remain active even after the plant dies.
Is all sumac invasive?
Follow this link for new information on sumac eradication! There are several species of sumac in Eastern North America, but they all have similar properties. The discussion here deals with smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), one of the most common and most invasive. Although sumac is native, it is highly invasive.
Will deer eat sumac?
ANSWER: All sumac species (Rhus spp.) are generally resistant to browsing by deer and other mammal herbivory.
What grows well with sumac?
They can be kept single or multiple stem with mowing or annual removal of sucker sprouts, but are not recommended for perennial beds because the suckers will invade other plants. Good companion plants include other species of sumac, redbud, wild plum, ninebark, shrub dogwoods and red cedar or other evergreens.
When should you cut back sumac?
Gardeners should prune these trees in late winter or early spring, while the sumac tree remains dormant. Most trees get pruned at this time, except those that have showy spring flowers grown on old growth, where pruning would reduce the flower display. Sumac is not one of these trees.
Is a sumac tree the same as poison sumac?
The difference between poison and harmless sumac is most noticeable in the berries on the two plants. Poison sumac has clusters of white or light-green berries that sag downward on its branches, while the red berries of harmless sumac sit upright.
What does sumac look like in the fall?
The leaves in the fall are beautiful and can be yellow and pink, red and pink or red, pink and yellow. In late fall, the leaves can become a brilliant red color that is much like that of a red maple tree. In the fall, many well-meaning nature lovers often get too close to poison sumac and end up with a nasty rash.
Do sumac trees smell?
Known by a number of names including stinking sumac, Chinese sumac, varnish tree and stink tree, the plant releases a strong, offensive smell, particularly from its flowers.
When should sumac trees be pruned?
Gardeners should prune these trees in late winter or early spring, while the sumac tree remains dormant. Most trees get pruned at this time, except those that have showy spring flowers grown on old growth, where pruning would reduce the flower display.
How big do staghorn sumac trees get?
Staghorn sumacs grow between 15 and 25 ft. (4.5 – 7.6 m) tall and up to 30 ft. (9 m) wide. The small tree has an open, spreading crown.
What color are the leaves of a fragrant sumac tree?
Fragrant sumac leaves grow up to 3” (7.5 cm) long. In the fall, fragrant sumac leaves turn shades of orange, red, or reddish-purple. Fragrant sumac fruit and leaves. Sumac berries: Fragrant sumac berries are small and red with a hairy appearance.
How long are the leaves of a sumac tree?
Sumac leaves grow between 16” and 24” (40 – 60 cm) long. Although most sumac species leaves are pinnate leaves, some species of sumacs have broad leaves with shallow lobing. For example, leaves on the fragrant sumac ( Rhus aromatica) have a broadly ovate shape and only have three leaflets per compound leaf.
What is a sumac tree?
Sumac (genus Rhus) is a group of flowering small trees and shrubs. Sumacs are identified by their fern-like pinnate leaves, conical clusters (panicles) of white or green flowers, and fuzzy red berries. In the fall, sumac trees and shrubs turn brilliant autumn shades of red, orange, or purple. Trees and shrubs in the genus Rhus grow between 3 ...
How to identify a sumac tree?
Identify sumac trees by looking at the leaves, flowers, and berries. Sumacs have large, characteristic fern-like leaves made up of 3 to 31 leaflets. Another identifying feature of sumacs is their cone-shaped white or green flower panicles, 24” (60 cm) long that mature into clusters of red fuzzy berries.
How fast does a sumac tree grow?
Hardy sumac trees, like the staghorn sumac, have a fast growth rate—growing as much as 24” (60 cm) a year.
What is the name of the evergreen sumac tree?
Also called Lambrisco or Lentrisco, the evergreen sumac is identified by 2-inch (5-cm) clusters of white flowers growing at the end of branches. Fuzzy red oval drupes appear in early fall.
How to grow a sumac tree?
Sumac roots grow quickly. If your sapling's roots have curled, cut back the curly ends with a knife or garden shears, or spread them out before planting. If you have purchased a shrub that is balled and burlapped, cut back half of the burlap from the root ball.
What to do with sumac berries?
To help keep this fast-grower contained, prune the suckers (sub-branches) and unsightly branches. The sumac berries have been used to make wine or lemonade, and once they have fully developed make a unique addition to flower bouquets.
What is the best material for mulching?
Water. Organic material for mulching. What You'll Need. Sumac sapling, usually can found in nurseries about 1 year old. Knife or garden shears. Shovel. Water. Organic material for mulching. There are 250 species in the genus of the flowering plant Rhus, or sumac.
How much sunlight does a sumac tree need?
Plant your sumac where it can receive 8 hours of sunlight a day, since sumacs are not shade-tolerant trees. Sumac trees will tolerate nearly any soil type, thriving in pH levels of 4.5 to 7.5. Their roots will reach out several feet beneath them, so plant them where they will have plenty of room.
How to plant a tree with a root ball?
When planting, make sure the top of the root ball is even with the surface of the soil. Backfill half of the soil (enough to steady the tree) and water deeply. Fill the hole with the remaining soil and water again.
How to keep a tree moist?
Surround the tree trunk with 2 to 4 inches of organic material, such as straw, leaves, pine bark, or manure. This will help retain moisture in dry times.
What is a sumac tree?
Sumac Tree and Shrub Basics. According to Britannica, the genus Rhus contains several shrubs and small trees belonging to the cashew family. They hail from temperate and subtropical zones around the world, and they have a long history of human use as a material in dyes and medicine, as a spice and as an ingredient in various beverages.
What is the benefit of sumac?
Staghorn sumac, for example, provides nectar for various species of butterflies. It also acts as a host for the larvae of the azure butterfly, and it is a friend to a great variety of environmentally important and beautiful species. Their fruit can also act as food for bluebirds and robins among others. They also provide shelter for many species of birds.
What is a staghorn sumac?
Staghorn sumac, for example, provides nectar for various species of butterflies. It also acts as a host for the larvae of the azure butterfly, and it is a friend to a great variety of environmentally important and beautiful species. Their fruit can also act as food for bluebirds and robins among others.
Can sumac seeds germinate?
However, germinating sumac seeds at home can be a little more involved and may take some work and potentially a good deal of time. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, sumac seeds need scarification prior to germination.
Is sumac hard to find?
They produce clusters of beautiful flowers and have interesting foliage to spruce up any yard. It's not hard to find sumac seeds for sale , but unfortunately, they can be somewhat tricky for novice gardeners to grow from seed.
Do sumac plants need fertilizer?
They may require more irrigation during periods of drought. Generally, sumac species can handle poor soil, so they should not need much fertilizer at all. Caring for and growing sumac plants has many benefits in the garden beyond the aesthetic value they bring.
Do sumacs attract bees?
Sumac shrubs attract honey bees to your yard. The small sumac flowers produce generous amounts of nectar and pollen.
How tall do sumac trees grow?
Smooth sumac ( Rhus glabra) and staghorn sumac ( R. typhina) are the most common and readily available landscape species. Both grow 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.) tall with a similar width, and have bright red fall colors.
What is the color of Prairie Flameleaf Sumac?
Prairie flameleaf sumac ( R. lanceolata) is a Texas native that is only hardy to zone 6. It grows as a 30 foot (9 m.) tree. The fall color is red and orange. This species is very heat tolerant.
Why are staghorn sumacs so popular?
You can differentiate the species by the fact that the branches of staghorn sumac have a furry texture. They make excellent wildlife shrubs because they provide shelter and food for birds and small mammals. Both species grow well in containers, where they stay much smaller.
How to make a refreshing drink from staghorn sumac?
You can make a refreshing beverage that resembles lemonade from the berries of smooth or staghorn sumac. Here are the instructions: Gather about a dozen large clusters of berries. Squeeze and mash them into a bowl containing about a gallon (3.8 L.) of cold water.
What color is sumac?
Increasing numbers of gardeners are growing sumac in the landscape for its striking fall color. Most species have leaves that turn bright red in fall, but there are also yellow and orange sumac varieties for gardens.
How tall is Sumac?
Grow it as a shrub or remove the lower limbs and grow it as a small tree. It reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet (2-4 m.). Evergreen sumac makes a nice, tight hedge or screen. Only the females make flowers and berries.
When do sumac trees bloom?
Sumac trees and shrubs are interesting throughout the year. The show begins with large clusters of flowers in spring, followed by attractive, brilliantly colored fall foliage. The bright red clusters of autumn berries often last into winter. Read on for sumac tree info and growing tips.
What is a smooth sumac shrub?
Smooth Sumac ( Rhus glabra) is a show-stopping deciduous sumac shrub that can add interest all year round in your garden landscape and provides a delicious buffet for birds . It is a fantastic choice for a garden aesthetically because of its impressive display when it blooms.
What color are the leaves of a sumac tree?
The sumac leaves will take the same bright tone of the fruit in the fall and create a blazing red show that can be admired even as you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. As the smooth sumac’s leaves fall, it retains its interest by holding onto the clusters of fruits, now overly ripe and dark burgundy. Not only are these very attractive ...
What is sumac fruit?
The smooth sumac fruit makes a deliciously tart drink when pressed and mixed with water and a sweetener. This sumac-ade has been a favorite of Native Americans for centuries and was often used to help keep them cool during warm summer days.
How many species of birds do sumacs feed on?
Over the sumac’s entire range, it feeds around 300 different bird species. Rhus glabra also invite beneficial insects to their flowers in abundance and are great for pollinator gardens. They are host to numerous species of Hairstreak Butterfly .
Is smooth sumac a pioneer plant?
An easy shrub to grow, smooth sumac is known as a pioneer plant, meaning it grows in soils and locations that other plants do not find hospitable. Its tendency to spread profusely often takes some effort to control, making it a great choice for planting on slopes prone to erosion and areas that forgive sumac’s weediness.
Is rhus glabra a good soil?
Soil. Not incredibly picky, Rhus Glabra is very adaptable to all soil types. The only conditions the shrub does not thrive in seems to be wet and poorly draining areas. The sumac is adaptable when it comes to pH levels as well.
Do you need to water a smooth sumac shrub?
This frequency can be stopped after the first growing season. The shrub does well in dry to average moisture areas, so, once established, no extra irrigation should be needed besides rainwater for your smooth sumac.
What is lemonade berry sumac?
Lemonade Berry Sumac (Rhus integrifolia) Richard Cummins / Getty Images. Unlike most sumacs (which have trifoliate or pinnate leaves), lemonade berry sumac has simple leaves, with a waxy, leathery texture. The red berries have a tart flavor and are sometimes used in drinks. They are also very attractive to wildlife.
What is the name of the tree that covers the antlers of deer?
Rhus typhina is the largest of the North American sumacs, an open, spreading shrub (sometimes a small tree), earning the common name staghorn sumac because of the reddish-brown hairs covering the branches as velvet covers the antlers of deer. It is also sometimes known as velvet sumac. It has large pinnate leaves with 13 to 27 toothed leaflets. It is a dioecious sumac (plants generally have male or female parts, but not both), and the female flowers produce attractive clusters of fruit that turn bright red in autumn, persisting into the winter. In landscaping, this plant is generally planted in areas where it can form small thickets as it suckers, but it can easily spread rampantly if it is not supervised.
What is a staghorn sumac?
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Ruth Swan / Getty Images. Rhus typhina is the largest of the North American sumacs, an open, spreading shrub (sometimes a small tree), earning the common name staghorn sumac because of the reddish-brown hairs covering the branches as velvet covers the antlers of deer.
What is a winged sumac?
Winged sumac—which is also known by a variety of other common names, including dwarf sumac, flameleaf sumac, and shining sumac —is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in dry soils in open areas where it often forms large colonies. It is similar to smooth sumac, except the leaves are untoothed. It has large pinnate leaves with 9 to 21 untoothed leaflets that are shiny and dark green. The foliage turns bright red in autumn. It is best used in areas where its tendency to spread and colonize is desired; it is not a good plant in small landscapes.
What is Tanner's Sumac used for?
The dried fruits are used in spices, the leaves and bark have been used in the leather tanning process, and various dyes can be made from different parts of the plant.
Where are sumac trees native to?
Sumacs include about 35 flowering woody North American species in the Rhus genus within the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews, mangos, and pistachios. There are dozens of other sumac species native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, a few of which are used as landscape plants in ...
What is a little leaf sumac?
It blooms with white flowers that appear before the leaves, and it has orange-red berries. The autumn foliage color is a muted purple or rose color. The plant makes an attractive specimen or hedge plant, and wildlife is drawn to it. Like other sumacs, it is a valuable plant for protecting native bee populations .
How many species of sumac are there in North America?
There are more than 200 species of Rhus, both evergreen and deciduous, and varieties that behave as shrubs, vines, trees, and ground cover.
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Where do sumac trees grow?
Sumac Trees: A Field Guide. Growing along highways, at the back of fields, and at the edges of backyards across North America is beautiful, bountiful sumac.
How many guides are there on everything from fences to foxgloves?
Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves.
Where is sumac grown?
Growing alongside highways, at the back of abandoned fields, and at the edges of backyards all over North America is the beautiful, bountiful sumac.
What is a Tiger Eyes cutleaf shrub?
Have you been noticing a really interesting and eye-catching plant around your town? First Editions® Tiger Eyes® Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger' PP 16,185) is a cold hardy shrub that looks almost tropical!
What is a good focal point for a sunny yard?
Tiger Eyes is a fantastic focal point for all sunny yards. This becomes a beautiful specimen plant that will stand out in any landscape. The bright leaves have a delicate, lacy look. This cutleaf form of Sumac works well as a backdrop to your favorite perennials.
What is the best foliage to use on a slope?
Sunny yellow, fine textured foliage draws your eye all season long. At the top of the slope, use the larger varieties of Staghorn and Smooth Sumac. Each fall, you'll have an amazing display of color with very little maintenance.
How to decorate a sloped lawn?
Then, plan out a layer of Tiger Eye for a bright band of color. Use a gentle zig-zag and vary the spacing between plants for the most natural look.
What to plant on a slope in the fall?
Each fall, you'll have an amazing display of color with very little maintenance. Add evergreen trees, boulders and large shrubs to your slope planting.
How long do you keep a Tiger Eyes tree?
You'll do this each year for 3 years.
What is a tiger eye?
Use Tiger Eyes as a focal point in your landscape. It can be an accent or used in mass plantings. Depending on the partner plants and the styling you give it, it would work in an Asian-inspired garden, contemporary, rustic or even in an extreme modern setting.
