Digging deeperPlant Library

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

An exotic tall shrub with stout, pithy stems and tropical-looking finely cut leaves clustered at the ends, quite leggy; showy upright spikes of red-purple fruit lasting into winter and brilliant fall colors; suckers vigorously, ideal for naturalizing

Ornamental Features

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The crimson fruits are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to late winter. It has spikes of yellow flowers rising above the foliage from early to mid summer. It has green deciduous foliage. The deeply cut ferny pinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac is an open multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.