Field Guide: Trees and Shrubs

Home Introduction Field Guide List Urban Wildlife Glossary Links References

Staghorn Sumac
You found Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina).
It is a tall shrub or small tree (7). The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound. This fast growing tree does not tolerate shade and forms dense thickets. The leaves are bright orange, red or purple in the autumn (1). The fruit of the Staghorn sumac is a collection of cone-shaped drupes that are dark red with long hairs (2). The two sumacs, Staghorn and Smooth, can be identified by the presence or absence of hairs on the twigs and leafstalks. This plant is found throughout Minnesota.