They are large shrubs that spread by root suckers to form large thickets from a single plant. They are coarse, sparsely branched plants with attractive pinnately compound leaves. Current year stems are smooth on Smooth Sumac and very fuzzy on Staghorn Sumac. When root suckers are eliminated, the plant can be grown as a loose, round headed, small tree with a single trunk. Upright panicles of reddish-brown fruit are formed at the tips of branches of pistillate plants and remain on all winter, providing interest.
Foliage develops excellent fall coloration, ranging from orange, bright red to maroon.
Can be used for holding steep slopes, or massing in areas where other plants will not grow. Sumac is tolerant of poor, dry soil sites and prefers full sun. Has a very coarse root system and is difficult to transplant as large plants. No serious insect or disease problems. Not tolerant of wet soils.