Stag horn sumac: Striking beauty or garden menace?
The stag horn sumac is a captivating plant with an exotic appearance, but it also presents certain challenges. Here we explore the benefits and drawbacks of cultivating this plant and what to consider before planting it.
The stag horn sumac is prized for its striking looks and rapid growth. However, its cultivation poses challenges that are essential to understand prior to planting.
Characteristics of the stag horn sumac
Originating from North America, the stag horn sumac is known for its minimal soil requirements and its ability to spread quickly. Its distinctive hairy shoots and feathery leaves, which turn vibrant colours in autumn, make it an appealing addition to any garden. This plant can grow up to 20-23 feet in height, with its crown forming an umbrella-like shape.
The stag horn sumac is admired for its aesthetic appeal. Its leaves and fruit clusters draw the eye, and the autumn hues enrich any garden's charm. Furthermore, the sumac is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for those without the time for intensive gardening. In herbal medicine, the sumac is used for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What threats does cultivating the stag horn sumac pose?
Yet, growing the stag horn sumac comes with certain complications. Often referred to as the "neighbour's revenge," it spreads rapidly through root suckers, potentially dominating garden space. The sumac can supplant native vegetation and encroach upon neighbouring plots, leading to potential disputes with neighbours.
Is the stag horn sumac poisonous? While not poisonous, it can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Contact with the flowers, leaves, or young shoots may result in allergic reactions, such as inflammation or itching caused by hives. It is advisable to exercise caution during transplanting and pruning, using protective gloves to avoid contact with sumac sap.
How to control the spread of the stag horn sumac?
To prevent the uncontrolled spread of the sumac, it is advisable to regularly dig up and remove root suckers. Mowing the lawn surrounding the plant aids in controlling its growth. In extreme cases, chemical agents can be employed, or the sumac may be planted in a container to curtail its expansion.
