“Some mornings it just doesn’t seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps.” – Emo Philips
“Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile I caught hell for.” – Earl Warren
PAUL’S PLANT PICK
November 2009
Archive Paul's Plant Pick
Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina
Within the genus that includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac is one of my favorite ornamental plants, the staghorn sumac. I’ve been growing it for years, and this time of year in particular, it’s a real standout in the garden.
Wyman’s Gardening Encyclopedia describes sumacs in general as “coarse-growing, suckering shrubs not at all suited for the small garden.” I don’t necessarily disagree with the description, but it hardly tells the whole story, because although it has its shortcomings, the staghorn sumac in particular also has a number of merits.
Wyman’s Gardening Encyclopedia describes sumacs in general as “coarse-growing, suckering shrubs not at all suited for the small garden.” I don’t necessarily disagree with the description, but it hardly tells the whole story, because although it has its shortcomings, the staghorn sumac in particular also has a number of merits.
For starters, it’s native to the U.S., and is often seen growing in clumps along the roadside, especially in the eastern half of the country. It’s incredibly easy to grow, and while it does indeed sucker, I don’t consider it the least bit invasive. The pubescent twigs (resembling the horns of a stag, hence the name) are gorgeous, the fruits are very cool, and the fall color is absolutely stunning. It’s also hardy to Zone 3, and thrives – yes, it literally thrives – in poor, dry soils. However, it does well in just about any soil, except maybe those that remain wet. Oh and as if all that weren’t enough, it is virtually free of pest and disease problems.
Two varieties commonly found in nurseries are ‘Dissecta’ and ‘Laciniata,’ and you can’t go wrong with either. ‘Tiger Eyes’ is a mutant form of the staghorn sumac that was first released in 2004. It features golden rather green leaves, and is considerably smaller and slower to sucker.
In full sun, staghorn sumacs can get quite tall, as in 40 feet or so, but with only a half day of sun mine have never grown taller than eight feet. And when they do send suckers into places I don’t want them, I simply prune them off just below ground level. No big deal.
Over the years, I’ve heard many a gardener describe staghorn sumacs as unfit for gardens, and that’s too bad. They may not be the ideal plant for everybody, but they’ll always have a spot in my garden.
