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Description
Rhus Typhina Bailtiger, commonly known as staghorn sumac or velvet sumac, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Native to eastern North America, it can grow up to 15-25 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-31 serrated leaflets that turn a vibrant red, orange, or yellow color in fall. The plant is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The female flowers develop into red, hairy fruit clusters that resemble velvet antlers or cones.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhus |
Appearance
The staghorn sumac has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. Its bark is smooth and gray, but as the plant ages, it becomes rough and scaly. The branches grow in a zigzag pattern, and the twigs are covered in fine hairs. The leaves of the staghorn sumac are elongated, with serrated edges and a feather-like appearance. The color of the leaves varies from green in summer to red, orange, or yellow in fall. The fruit clusters are also a distinguishing feature of the plant, with their red, fuzzy appearance resembling antlers or cones.
Care Guide
Growing and caring for Rhus Typhina Bailtiger is relatively easy, as it is a hardy plant that can tolerate different growing conditions. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: Staghorn sumac is drought-tolerant and can survive with little to no watering. However, it will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged periods of dry weather.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth.- Soil: Staghorn sumac prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It can grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Staghorn sumac is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
While staghorn sumac is not prone to many pests and diseases, it can still be affected by some common issues. Here are some of them:- Scale insects: These tiny insects can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking its sap and causing yellowing and wilting.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, affecting the plant’s growth.- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, leading to the death of the plant.
Habitat
Staghorn sumac is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec in Canada to Georgia and Alabama in the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate different growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is staghorn sumac poisonous?
A: No, staghorn sumac is not poisonous. However, some people may experience skin irritation from touching the plant’s leaves or fruit.
Q: Can staghorn sumac be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, staghorn sumac can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in early summer or late fall.
Q: Can staghorn sumac be used for landscaping?
A: Yes, staghorn sumac is a popular landscaping plant due to its unique appearance and hardiness. It can be used as a specimen plant, hedge, or border plant.
Q: Can staghorn sumac be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, some Native American tribes used staghorn sumac for medicinal purposes, including treating colds, sore throats, and fever.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Rhus Typhina Bailtiger:- Rhus Glabra (Smooth Sumac)- Rhus Aromatica (Fragrant Sumac)- Rhus Copallinum (Winged Sumac)- Rhus Toxicodendron (Poison Ivy)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279872- University of Connecticut. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://hort.uconn.edu/plants/r/rhusty/rhusty1.html- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhus-typhina/
