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Description
Rhus Typhina Dissecta, commonly known as the cutleaf staghorn sumac, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It grows up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a spreading, open crown. Its leaves are compound with serrated edges, and its flowers are greenish-yellow and borne in dense clusters in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a red, fuzzy cluster of drupes that persist through winter, providing food for wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhus |
Appearance
The cutleaf staghorn sumac’s leaves are its standout feature. They are deeply lobed and cut, resembling the antlers of a stag. The foliage is a bright green in summer and turns various shades of orange, red, and purple in fall. The shrub’s branches are also distinctive, covered in a velvety brown fuzz that gives them a staghorn-like appearance. In winter, the fruit clusters persist on the bare branches, adding interest to the landscape.
Care Guide
Cutleaf staghorn sumac is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. It is drought-tolerant once established and does not require regular fertilization. However, a yearly application of compost or other organic matter can help improve soil quality. Water the shrub deeply during periods of drought. Cutleaf staghorn sumac is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cutleaf staghorn sumac is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid conditions. These can be treated with fungicides if necessary. The shrub is also occasionally attacked by scale insects and mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Cutleaf staghorn sumac is native to eastern North America, from Quebec to Georgia and westward to Missouri. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and along roadsides. It is often used in landscaping as a specimen plant or for erosion control, as it has a deep, spreading root system.
Question and Answer
Q: Is cutleaf staghorn sumac poisonous?
A: No, cutleaf staghorn sumac is not poisonous. In fact, its fruit can be used to make a tart, lemony tea.
Q: Can cutleaf staghorn sumac be pruned?
A: Yes, cutleaf staghorn sumac can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the shrub.
Q: Does cutleaf staghorn sumac attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the shrub’s fruit clusters are attractive to birds and other wildlife, who eat the drupes in winter.
Q: How tall does cutleaf staghorn sumac grow?
A: Cutleaf staghorn sumac can grow up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Rhus aromatica
- Rhus glabra
- Rhus copallina
- Rhus typhina
References
- “Rhus typhina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284583&isprofile=0&=>
- “How to Grow and Care for Staghorn Sumac.” The Spruce. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/growing-and-caring-for-staghorn-sumac-3269658>
- “Staghorn Sumac.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=rhty2>
