Staghorn sumac is a small shrub like tree that is native to eastern North America. There are about 250 Sumac species. The species of sumac found in Rugar woods, Staghorn sumac, is named for its twisting and velvety branches- which resemble male deer horns. Staghorn sumac is one of the largest species. It's greenish- yellow flowers bloom from June to July. Red clustered fruits grow from August to September. Wildlife including pheasants, quails, turkeys, and songbirds will eat the fruits during winter. Sumac is an early successional species, meaning that it easily grows in areas that undergo frequent disturbances. Staghorn sumac rarely grows in dense forests, and is often located on the edge of trails and rocky banks, preferring areas with lots of sun and well drained soils. 

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Staghorn sumac has roots, or runners, that are horizontally distributed under the topsoil. One way that this plant propagates is by cloning itself and creating root suckers. Rhus typhina produces the most abundant and widespread root suckers. Staghorn sumac can produce around 40 root suckers from one parent plant, creating a localized colony, often referred to as a thicket. 

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