Benefits of Having a Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is a native North American shrub recognized by its fuzzy branches and upright clusters of red fruit. Its common presence along roadsides can cause alarm due to a resemblance to its toxic relative, Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). The two are easily distinguished. Staghorn Sumac has fuzzy, reddish branches and upright crimson fruit, while Poison Sumac has smooth stems and drooping clusters of waxy, white berries. Poison Sumac also grows exclusively in wet, swampy areas, whereas Staghorn Sumac prefers drier soils.

Culinary Uses of Staghorn Sumac

The primary culinary feature of Staghorn Sumac is its clusters of fuzzy red berries, known as drupes. These drupes are best harvested in late summer when they have developed a deep red color but before heavy rains can wash away the water-soluble acids that give them their distinct flavor. A quick taste of a single berry should reveal a tangy, lemony flavor, confirming its readiness for collection.

One of the most popular uses for the drupes is making a refreshing beverage called “sumac-ade.” To prepare this drink, several ripe fruit clusters are placed in a pitcher of cold water. Using hot water is not recommended, as it will extract bitter tannins from the stems and seeds. The clusters are gently crushed and allowed to steep for several hours, after which the liquid is strained through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove plant matter. The resulting pink-hued liquid has a flavor similar to lemonade and can be sweetened to taste.

Beyond beverages, the drupes can be dried and ground into a coarse, reddish-purple powder. This spice imparts a tangy, acidic flavor to foods and is a principal ingredient in the Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar. It can be used as a rub for meats and vegetables or as a garnish for various dishes. Storing the dried drupes whole in a paper bag in a cool, dark place will preserve their quality for later use.

Ecological Importance

Staghorn Sumac plays a significant role in its native ecosystem, offering food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. Its clusters of red drupes persist on the branches throughout the winter, providing an emergency food source when other options are scarce. Numerous bird species, including American robins, eastern bluebirds, and wild turkeys, rely on the fruit. Additionally, mammals such as white-tailed deer and cottontail rabbits will browse the twigs and bark.

As a pioneer species, this plant is one of the first to grow in disturbed areas like roadsides, old fields, and forest edges. It spreads through an extensive root system, forming dense thickets that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks. This rapid colonization helps prepare the ground for other plant species to establish themselves over time.

The plant’s value extends to insect populations as well. In early summer, its greenish-yellow flowers provide a source of nectar and pollen for native bees, wasps, and other pollinators. The large, compound leaves also serve as a food source for the caterpillars of several moth species.

Landscaping and Ornamental Value

For gardeners and homeowners, Staghorn Sumac offers considerable ornamental appeal. Its most defining feature is the dense, velvety hair covering its young branches, which resembles the antlers of a male deer and gives the plant its common name. This unique texture, combined with large, tropical-looking compound leaves, provides a dramatic structural element in a garden setting. The plant is also prized for its spectacular fall foliage of brilliant red, orange, and yellow.

In landscape design, it is often used for its fast-growing and colonizing nature. It can quickly form a dense thicket, making it an excellent choice for a naturalized privacy screen or windbreak. Because of its tolerance for poor, dry, and rocky soils where other plants might fail, it is well-suited for difficult sites or a low-maintenance garden. The persistent red fruit clusters on female plants add a splash of color to the winter landscape. While its tendency to spread via root suckers can be aggressive, this can be managed with regular pruning or by planting it in an area where it has room to naturalize.

Traditional and Medicinal Properties

Staghorn Sumac has a long history of use in traditional practices, particularly among Native American tribes. The plant is noted for its astringent qualities, which are derived from the tannins present in its leaves, bark, and berries. A tea or infusion made from the berries was used as a gargle to soothe sore throats. Other historical applications include using different parts of the plant to create natural dyes and using the tannin-rich bark and leaves in the process of tanning leather. The leaves were also sometimes mixed with tobacco for smoking in ceremonial settings.