Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, synonym: R. hirta) http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?NJUIA 19 August 2008 Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, synonym: R. hirta) Native to eastern North America. The plant flowers from May to July and fruit ripens from June to September. The foliage turns a brilliant red in autumn. The fruit lasts through winter and into spring. Staghorn sumac spreads using its seeds, and by spreading rhizomes. It grows quite aggressively. It can grow under a wide array of conditions, but is most often found in dry and poor soil on which other plants cannot survive. The fruit of sumacs can be collected, soaked and washed in cold water, strained, sweetened and made into a pink lemonade. Pruned it makes a large canopy shade tree. I dug a small piece from along the road in 2004, and the tree thrived. Most people disdain this tree, and purchase some exotic that is marginal for our climate. The vegetation is a bit open and grass grows well under the tree. The roots spread for long distances just under the surface. Small trees shoot up long distances from the main bush, and are simply cut off with the lawnmower. I like to sit under it in the shade. No bugs attack this native tree.
I like the sumacs as well. I recently planted a "Tiger's Eye" Sumac in the front yard & helped convince a regular customer to purchase a Staghorn Sumac. I didn't know about the fruit though. Yours looks to be a very healthy specimen. Right on.
Around my area there are numerous staghorn sumac, and thye are absolutely stunning in appearance. I personally think they make a great tree in the backyard, since they thrive in most soils. There are numerous small shoot trees coming up all over the yard, but they are simply cut off with the lawnmower, and create no problem. The root system is very shallow, just under the surface, and extends for long distances. A survivor for sure.
