Easy to Grow The species Rhus typhina is widely distributed throughout the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. It is found occasionally in wild places throughout the New York City area. It is also found in disturbed environments such as old fields, highway cuts and along railroads. As you might already have guessed about a plant that enjoys growing next to the railroad tracks, staghorn sumac is not fussy. Used as a garden plant, staghorn sumac and its cutleaf variety thrive in full sun or light shade with little or no watering, once established.
Pest problems are rare.
It grows in the poorest soil, as long as its roots are not waterlogged, and appears to be tolerant of the reflected heat, dust and smoke of city gardens. The cutleaf staghorn sumac, like the wild form, is variable in size, but has the potential to grow over 20 feet with an even greater spread. It gradually forms a large dense grove-an excellent shelter for wildlife. However, its size and spread can be controlled. Regrowth is vigorous.