Sumac Tree Seeds, Staghorn
(Rhus typhina) Deciduous. Zones 3-8.
Staghorn Sumac is an exotic looking shrub that is both ornamental and wonderfully beneficial to animals and people. It is named for its thick, velvety branches that resemble the antlers of a male deer, or stag.
It has lovely ornamental features, from its velvet red-brown fruiting clusters, sculptural branches, serrated leaflets, and stunning scarlet-orange fall foliage. It grows quite large - up to 6 metres.
The fruits of the Staghorn Sumac are crimson and juicy when mature, and encapsulated by soft, sticky, velvety red-brown clusters at the tip of the twigs. Sumac berries have a zingy lemon taste when harvested in late summer or early Fall. Steeped, they make a refreshing drink. Add a few ice cubes and you've got yourself wild pink lemonade! This deliciuous concoction also doubles as a soothing gargle for sore throats.
Staghorn Sumac has a forked and spreading trunk and will form thickets in the wild by self-seeding and suckering, providing excellent cover for wildlife and birds. It is a source of food for young butterflies, and nectar for bees and other beneficial insects.
The Sumac leaves and fruit can be boiled down to make ink, and dried, aromatic leaves are great in smoking blends. The roots can be made into teas that help stop bleeding and the sap has been used as a treatment for warts. The bark, leaves, and fruit are all rich in tannin and can be used for tanning leather. Fresh sumac stems are used in basket weaving. An incredibly giving plant!
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 3 - 8
Edible: No.
Size: Small tree.
Growth Rate: Medium - Fast
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 70 - 90%
Sun requirements: Full Sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Rich, slightly acidic soil. Medium moisture.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak seeds for 24 hours, beginning with hot water and allowing to cool to room temperature. Follow with 90 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 90 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Plant stratified seeds in deep pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
*Excited about growing Fruit Trees from seed? Learn more HERE.*
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
