Staghorn Sumac vs American Bittersweet - TreeTime.ca

Staghorn Sumac vs American Bittersweet

Rhus typhina

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Staghorn Sumac
American Bittersweet

Staghorn Sumac is a popular ornamental shrub with red velvet like antlers that produce seeds that provide nice winter interest for landscapers and gardeners.

This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden it is also used in shelterbelts.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Flowers: small, green-yellow
Flowers: small white clusters
Fruit: small, red
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: stags horn sumach, velvet sumac