Velvety young branches distinguish this colony-forming shrub. Its compound leaves have toothed leaflets, and female plants carry dense upright clusters of red fruit.
Staghorn Sumac field photographs. Select the photo to open the slideshow.
Family: Anacardiaceae
Growth: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Bloom: June–July
Habitat: Dry woodland edges, rocky slopes, and sandy shores
Other common names
Staghorn Sumac
Bloom timing varies with location and growing conditions. Source: The Morton Arboretum.
Explore photographed sightings and their locations.
Habitat
Dry woodland edges, rocky slopes, and sandy shores
Bloom period
June–July
Native to North America.
Eastern and midwestern North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Reported U.S. distribution from the linked source; occurrence does not imply native status in every state.
Distribution source: US Forest Service.
Observations show reported sightings; they do not define the plant’s complete native range.
Study the photographs and field notes for Staghorn Sumac, then practice identifying this and other wildflowers in the quiz.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
The Morton Arboretum — identification and range
iNaturalist — Staghorn Sumac observations
