Staghorn Sumac is one of RRF staff’s favorite plant species. The tall shrub is native to the Midwest, specifically the Chicago region. Staghorn sumac is often used in mass plantings, for naturalizing or on steep slopes.
Staghorn sumac is often used in mass plantings, for naturalizing or on steep slopes. It’s open habit and hairy stems resemble horns on a male deer, giving it its name. Among the most recognizable characteristics are large, upright clusters of fuzzy red fruit that appear in late summer on female plants. The fruit is highly appealing to birds.