Staghorn sumac

Staghorn sumac is a 15-30 foot colony-forming shrub with crooked leaning trunks. Large bright-green leaves become colorful in early fall. On female plants yellow-green flowers are flowered by fuzzy, bright red berries in clusters which last throughout winter. A native of eastern United States with current range extending north to Quebec, south to Georgia and as far west as Iowa. Staghorn sumac establishes itself on clearings, hillsides, open woods, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and reduced-tillage fields. It was planted as an ornamental but escaped cultivation. The plant tolerates unfavorable conditions, thrives in polluted city air, and grows in such inhospitable sites as cracks in pavement. It will grow on any soil type.