Staghorn sumac, vinegar tree

Sumac is a species of the genus Sumac (Rhus) of the sumac family (Anacardiáceae). In nature it occurs in eastern North America, namely in southeastern Canada and the northeastern part of the USA, and also in South Africa, Europe, Asia, Crimea, and the Caucasus.

It is a deciduous tree 3–10 m high with an airy, spreading crown. Shoots are thick, densely pubescent, resembling deer antlers, becoming woody to about 75%. The root system is shallow, well branched, and actively produces suckers.

Leaves are long, 25–55 cm, imparipinnate, with 9–31 leaflets. Each leaflet reaches 6–11 cm in length, has a very beautiful velvety surface, matte dark green above and whitish-glaucous beneath. Leaves are especially decorative in autumn, when they change to a whole fiery palette of shades – from pale orange to deep burgundy.

Dioecious plant. It blooms and fruits in the 4th–5th year. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, gathered in attractive panicles or conical inflorescences (10–20 cm long and 4–6 cm in diameter); staminate flowers are loose, yellowish-green, pistillate flowers are bright red and denser. A good nectar source. Emits a refreshing vinegar aroma with faint notes of cucumber vine.

Fruits are globose drupes, gathered in panicles and covered with red bristly pubescence. They persist on the tree for a long time and are very decorative.

Poisonous sumac is fairly easy to distinguish from non-poisonous forms; the latter have axillary rather than terminal inflorescences and pale, bare fruits. Some scientists segregate them into a separate genus, Toxicodendron.

Varieties: рассеченный (f. Dessecta), ландцетный (f. Laciniata), Tiger Eyes.

Hardiness zone: 4b (down to -30 degrees Celsius). Shoots may suffer frost damage but recover quickly because the plant has a high sprouting ability.

Location: In nature it grows on dry, rocky soils. The tree is warmth-loving, prefers sunny, sheltered and well-warmed sites, but tolerates some shading. It is undemanding to soil – can grow on poor soils and among rocky screes. The plant is fairly frost-hardy; shoots may sometimes be frozen back but then quickly regrow. Tolerates drought well, but does not like waterlogging. Resistant to air pollution.

Planting: recommended spacing between plants is 2 m. When planting, the root collar should be placed 3–5 cm deep. Optimal planting period is from March to November. After planting water the tree abundantly and mulch with peat.

Pruning: in the conditions of Ukraine the tree can be damaged in cold winters. However, the first frosts can act as a natural "gardener", forcing lateral buds to break. As a result of sanitary pruning, a beautiful branched crown is formed. Without pruning, branches grow upwards and the tree looks less spectacular.

Care: practically requires no care. Fertilization is recommended at least once a year, using a complex mineral fertilizer at 30–50 g per 1 m². In winter, it is necessary to ensure snow retention to protect the roots from freezing.

Propagation: propagates by root suckers and by seed. Seed viability 35%, germination 2%. Produces abundant root suckers.

Diseases and pests: resistant to pests, may be affected by fungal diseases

Uses: widely used for obtaining tanning agents. Used in dyeing silk fabrics. Contains wax which is used to make wood varnish. The wood is used to make original decorative crafts. Used in winemaking and cuisine, as the fruit husk contains tartaric (wine) acid. In landscape design it pairs well with cultivar conifers with horizontal crowns or blue foliage, creating the necessary contrast. Staghorn sumac is planted in contrasting groups, also with perennials, emphasizing its bright autumn coloration. It looks effective in Japanese and rock gardens.