Staghorn Sumac vs Bristly Black Currant - TreeTime.ca

Staghorn Sumac vs Bristly Black Currant

Ribes lacustre

Rhus typhina

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bristly Black Currant
Staghorn Sumac

Bristly Black Currant is a native deciduous shrub that grows in moist forests, swamps, and riparian areas. In summer, it produces clusters of dark purple to black berries that provide food for wildlife, while its reddish-purple flowers attract pollinators. The berries are technically edible and enjoyed by some, but many find them unpleasant and bitter.

Thriving in moist soils and shaded locations, Bristly Black Currant helps stabilize soil and supports diverse habitats. It is valuable for conservation plantings, wetland restoration, riparian buffers, and naturalization projects.

Note: When crushed, the berries are known to release an offensive odour.

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.

Bristly Black Currant Quick Facts

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to spreading, thicket-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, layering - low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: prickles may cause an allergic reaction

Bark: reddish brown with prickles
Flowers: small maroon-green clusters
Flowers: small, green-yellow
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Fruit: small, red
Berries: dark purple with hairs, edible
Flavor: tart, unpleasant
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: black gooseberry, black swamp gooseberry, bristly black gooseberry, bristly currant, bristly swamp currant, prickly currant
Other Names: stags horn sumach, velvet sumac