Cut-leaved Stag’s Horn Sumach

Similar in most respects to Rhus typhina, Rhus typhina Dissecta also known as Lacinata differs in having beautiful, very finely dissected leaves. A large, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree, it has upright growth and a spreading, open crown. It is a female cultivar, so you can be sure of getting the clusters of deep red berries. The mid-green leaves are fern-like, reliably turning fiery red in autumn. Cone-shaped clusters of yellow-green flowers appear in summer, and are followed by dense cones of velvety, deep crimson berries, which are reminiscent of a stag’s newly-grown antlers. Cut-leaved stag’s horn sumach holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. More refined than the species, it is said not to sucker quite as freely, but it is still best not planted in a lawn or border, so that any suckers can easily be removed.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moist, well drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late summer and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: up to 15’ (4.5m)  Spread: 20’ (6m)