Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina L.

Family: Anacardiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

none: ornamental plant, no eating information given

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's list has no entry for this plant, and NC State's page has no poison block. Neither proves it is safe. No all-clear is given; treat this plant as unchecked for pets. Name trap: the ASPCA "Poison Sumac" page is Toxicodendron, a different plant, not this sumac.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Rhus typhina L., not on the common name.. 'Sumac' alone covers smooth sumac (Rhus glabra, which UConn pairs with this plant) and other species. Use the full name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b (NC State). Iowa State says zones 4 through 8.
Water needs: low: dry to medium; drought-tolerant
Mature size: unit: ft; scope: species, NC State. UConn 10 to 20 ft; Iowa State 10 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide.
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern North America. UMass: native perennial small tree or shrub. Iowa State: dry woodland openings, edges and rocky slopes in the northeast part of Iowa.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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