Rhus typhina Stag's horn sumach (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhus typhina
Stag's horn sumach
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus typhina plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to the southern Appalachian mountains and west to Iowa. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stag's horn sumach. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. hirta. non Engl. R. viridiflora.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus typhina
Common Name:  Stag's horn sumach
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:  6

Habitat:  Usually found in upland sites on rich soils, but it is also found in gravel and sandy nutrient-poor soils. It grows by streams and swamps, along roadsides, railway embankments and edges of woods[229].

General Uses: The leaves are rich in tannin, up to 48% has been obtained in a controlled plantation[223]. They can be collected as they fall in the autumn and used as a brown dye or as a mordant[169, 171]. The bark, especially the root bark, and the fruits are also very rich in tannin[82, 159, 169]. A yellow dye can be obtained from the roots[257]. An orange dye can be obtained from the inner bark and central pith of the stem, mixed with bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)[257]. A black ink can be made by boiling the leaves and the fruit[226]. An oil is extracted from the seeds[4]. It attains a tallow-like consistency on standing and is used to make candles. These burn brilliantly, though they emit a pungent smoke[4]. Pipes are made from the young shoots and are used for drawing the sap of sugar maples (Acer spp)[82]. They are also used as flutes[159]. The plant has an extensive root system and is planted as a windbreak screen and to prevent soil erosion[200]. Wood - soft, light, brittle, coarse grained[82, 101]. It weighs 27lb per cubic foot[235]. Of no commercial value, though it is sometimes used as a rough construction wood or is employed in turning[226].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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