Rhus Typhina

Description

Rhus Typhina, also known as Staghorn Sumac, is a deciduous shrub that’s native to North America. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but usually grows to be around 6-8 feet tall. The leaves are pinnately compound, with serrated edges and a dark green color. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright red, orange, or yellow color. The flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in the summer, followed by red, hairy fruit clusters that persist into the winter.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Rhus Typhina has an open, spreading growth habit with multiple stems. The bark is brown and smooth, but becomes rough with age. The branches are covered in a dense, velvety pubescence, which gives it the appearance of a stag’s antlers, hence the common name “Staghorn Sumac”. The fruit clusters are also hairy and are often used in dried flower arrangements. Overall, Rhus Typhina is a striking plant that adds visual interest to any landscape.

Care Guide

Rhus Typhina is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help it thrive:- Water: Rhus Typhina is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need a lot of water. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.- Fertilization: Rhus Typhina doesn’t require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: Rhus Typhina prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: Rhus Typhina prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Rhus Typhina is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Rhus Typhina is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary.- Scale insects: These small insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove affected branches and apply an insecticide if necessary.- Japanese beetles: These beetles can skeletonize the leaves and damage the fruit clusters. Handpick them off the plant or use an insecticide if necessary.

Habitat

Rhus Typhina is native to North America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and woodland edges. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Rhus Typhina is also tolerant of urban environments and can be found planted in parks and along roadsides.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Rhus Typhina poisonous?
A: No, Rhus Typhina is not poisonous. However, some people may have a skin reaction to the hairy fruit clusters.

Q: Can Rhus Typhina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Rhus Typhina can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.

Q: Does Rhus Typhina attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Rhus Typhina is a valuable source of food for birds and insects.

Q: Can Rhus Typhina be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Rhus Typhina has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, sore throats, and fever.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Rhus Typhina:- Rhus Aromatica (Fragrant Sumac)- Rhus Glabra (Smooth Sumac)- Rhus Copallinum (Winged Sumac)- Rhus Radicans (Poison Ivy)

References

– University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/plant/815- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b570- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Rhus typhina. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhus-typhina/