About the Sumac -
Staghorn :
The Staghorn Sumac, Rhus typhina, is the most
well-known sumac. Its branches resemble deer
antlers. Staghorn sumac reaches 25 feet in height at
maturity with an equal spread. It is not as tolerant
of poorly drained soils as other sumacs. The large
dark crimson - or rarely orange to yellow - pinnate
leaves of this sumac have 15-31 narrow, leaflets
that can be up to (6") long. The stems and fruits of
Staghorn Sumac are densely hairy, as in the "velvet
stage" of a stag's antlers.
These colorful, nonpoisonous shrubs or small
trees are rhizomatous. The large clumps form bright
splashes of color along forest margins, road banks,
and fencerows and in old fields over much of the
Appalachians.
