If you’ve ever spotted a striking shrub or small tree with fuzzy branches and cone-shaped clusters of deep red berries along a Chicago roadway or hillside, you’ve likely encountered the Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina). This hardy native brings bold texture, brilliant fall color, and incredible ecological benefits to Midwestern landscapes—proving that beauty and resilience can go hand in hand.

Native to the Chicago Region

Staghorn Sumac is native to Illinois and thrives in the dry, sunny environments common to our region—think open woodlands, prairies, and slopes. It’s particularly valuable in urban landscapes, where it tolerates poor or rocky soil and helps restore biodiversity in places where other plants struggle. Once established, it asks for very little—no fertilizer, minimal water, and plenty of sunshine.

Distinctive Beauty and Seasonal Drama

This multi-stemmed shrub or small tree typically reaches 15–25 feet in height, spreading gracefully through root suckers to form natural colonies. In spring and summer, its large, fern-like leaves add bold texture and movement to the landscape. By autumn, those same leaves ignite in shades of fiery orange, scarlet, and gold—creating one of the most vivid fall displays of any native plant.

In late summer, female plants produce dense, upright clusters of velvety red fruit that persist through winter. These berries not only catch the eye against snowy backdrops but also serve as a valuable food source for overwintering birds.

Its name—Staghorn—comes from the soft, velvety fuzz covering its young branches, resembling the antlers of a stag in velvet. This feature makes it easy to identify even after its leaves have dropped.

Ecological Benefits

Beyond its good looks, Staghorn Sumac plays an important role in local ecosystems.

Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing early summer nectar when other blooms are scarce.
Its berries feed songbirds, grouse, and wild turkeys through the coldest months.
Its root system stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, making it ideal for slopes, parkways, and naturalized plantings.

It’s one of those rare plants that supports wildlife, improves soil health, and still offers architectural beauty in every season.

Culinary Uses: A Tangy, Unexpected Treat

The red, fuzzy fruiting cones or “drupes” of Staghorn Sumac are not just for wildlife, humans can enjoy them too! The berries have a tangy, lemony flavor due to their natural citric acid content and are often used in teas, spice blends, and even baked goods. When dried and ground, sumac adds a bright, citrusy note to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

If you’re feeling inspired to bring this native flavor into your kitchen, try this delicious Olive Oil Cake with Lime & Sumac recipe — it’s subtly tart, beautifully fragrant, and the perfect way to celebrate nature’s pantry.

(Note: Only harvest from clean, chemical-free areas and positively identify the plant before use!)

Important Notes

Not all “sumacs” are created equal. While Rhus typhina is safe and beneficial, Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)—found in wetland habitats—is toxic and causes severe skin irritation. The distinction is easy to spot:

Staghorn Sumac grows in dry, upland areas with upright red fruit clusters.
Poison Sumac thrives in swamps or wetlands and bears drooping white berries.

Staghorn Sumac spreads by underground runners, making it well suited for large naturalized landscapes, but we’ve also seen it do well in a large container on a rooftop deck.

Design Inspiration

From a design perspective, Staghorn Sumac offers four-season interest that few plants can match. Its sculptural form and fiery foliage pair beautifully with native grasses like Little Bluestem and Switchgrass, or with late-season perennials such as Asters and Goldenrod.

For smaller spaces, consider the cultivar ‘Tiger Eyes’, which features chartreuse foliage and a more compact habit—perfect for creating a bold accent without overwhelming the space.

Plant in full sun for the best fall color and fruiting, and give it room to spread naturally. Occasional pruning will help maintain its shape and prevent excessive colonizing.

Why We Love It

At Rooftopia, we love plants that combine beauty, resilience, and purpose, and Staghorn Sumac checks every box. It’s dramatic in color, sculptural in form, and deeply supportive of local wildlife. Whether growing wild on a Chicago hillside or intentionally planted in a sustainable garden, this native standout reminds us how powerful and self-sustaining nature can be.