Staghorn Sumac Care
Rhus typhina
An extremely hardy ornamental shrub grown for its showy leaves, autumn colors and red fruit clusters. Because it spreads quickly by root suckers, the planting site should be chosen carefully and its spread kept under control.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Pruning: This is the best time to control the plant's size, remove dead branches, and cut off root suckers at the base, especially those spreading into the garden.
- General care: The conspicuous red fruit clusters provide a decorative display in winter.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
- General care: It can be propagated easily by root cuttings (be careful if this is not wanted).
- Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings from severe frosts.
- Watering: Only for newly planted seedlings, 10 L/week if it stays dry; reduce if there is rain.
- General care: Cut or pull out newly emerging root suckers as soon as you notice them.
- General care: Large, hairy leaves develop rapidly; continue to control root suckers.
- General care: It is in its active growth period.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: It is very tolerant of drought and heat; root suckers may keep appearing in summer, so remove them regularly.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: The leaves begin to turn yellow, orange and red. This is when it is at its most showy. The red fruit clusters become prominent.
- General care: Enjoy the autumn colors and continue controlling root suckers.
- General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
- Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings during the first winter.
- Pruning: You can start winter pruning and removing root suckers.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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