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.
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 considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. 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. This is a selection of a native North American species.
Details
Botanical Name
Rhus typhina 'Dissecta'
Common Name
Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac
Hardiness Zone
- 3b
Appearance
Max Height
15 feet
Max Spread
20 feet
Plant Form
Foliage Colour
- Green
Fall Colour
- Scarlet
Flower Colour
- Yellow
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
- Crimson
Growing
Flowering Period
Early to Mid Summer
Moisture
Adaptable to Dry and Moist
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
High
Deer Resistance
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