Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn Sumac (Photo by Jean Isaacs)
Staghorn sumac is an important wildlife shrub. It produces bright red berries that persist throughout the winter, providing an emergency food source for year-round and migrating songbirds such as:
- ruffed grouse
- wood thrush
- American robin
- eastern bluebird
Moose, deer, rabbits and rodents browse on the seeds and twigs of the staghorn sumac. The spring flowers of the staghorn sumac attract non-native and native pollinators.
Medicinal and other uses
First Nations used the berries of the staghorn sumac to make tea that was thought to have healing properties.
The berries were also used to make black ink and the tannin-rich berries, bark and leaves were used to tan hides.
Supported by the Weston Family Foundation.
