Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac

The Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac is a variety of a native shrub with large leaves that are deeply cut and lobes, resembling a decorative fern. It makes a beautiful ground cover shrub or multi-stem specimen tree, with rich green leaves that turn brilliant shades of gold, orange and red in fall – a fabulous display. It is more compact and less invasive than the wild sumac, growing no more than 15 feet tall, and often smaller. Grow it to fill areas of poor soil, protect slopes from erosion, and edge woodlands. Use it at the back of large shrub beds or to fill blank corners.

• Beautiful large leaves deeply cut and divided like a decorative fern
• Brilliant fall colors of yellow, orange and red – one of the best
• Reliably produces red seed heads in fall and winter
• Smaller and less aggressive than wild sumac
• Top choice for poor soil, slopes and around woodlands

The Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac has the best fall colors in full sun, but it also grows well in partial shade. It is tough, drought-resistant once established, and generally free of pests or diseases. It grows readily in almost all soils, even poor ones and urban gardens, as long as the ground is not wet. It is easy to prune and trim in fall or spring, to make it more tree-like, or keep it lower and bushy.