Rhus typhina
Common Name: Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn Sumac is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing 10 to 35 feet tall, with open, spreading branches and velvety young stems that resemble antlers, giving rise to its common name. It thrives in open woodlands, roadsides, and prairies across Minnesota, especially in dry, disturbed soils. Its large, compound leaves turn brilliant red in the fall, and it produces upright clusters of fuzzy red fruits that persist into winter, offering food for birds. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples used the berries for making a tart lemonade-like beverage and the bark for dyes and medicinal purposes. In landscaping, it’s used for naturalizing steep slopes, erosion control, and bold fall color.
