Staghorn sumac – beautiful, but poisonous and dangerous tree

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a tree that looks absolutely amazing in your garden. During the autumn, some leaves are red and some are green which gives this tree a very interesting look. A transition between these colours and the shape of this tree create a beautiful spectacle. Leaves remain green until autumn. The great advantage of staghorn sumac is that it is not difficult to grow. But be careful. The plant is poisonous and grows very quickly.

Watch the quick growth

Sumac may be a tree or a shrub and it grows really fast. If you leave it unattended for long time, it will grow fast and it will expand and eventually it will take up all available space. To control the fast growth, just mow grass close to the tree because along with the grass, you will also mow its new shoots. Staghorn sumac can be grown anywhere because it does not require a special soil. What it does need is enough light. This is the only requirement for proper growth.

Photo: Pixabay

Extremely poisonous

Despite fast and easy growth, many people do not grow this plant. The reason is that the plant is highly poisonous and could be dangerous to pets and small children. The most dangerous is Rhus vernix but Rhus typhina, which is commonly grown in Europe, is not that poisonous but it may irritate skin and you may get typical skin bumps. That applies to about 10% of people. It may also cause various allergic reactions, which may occur even two days after you have come into contact with the tree. This makes it difficult to determine the actual cause of the irritation.

Growing sumac

If you work with sumac you need to wear long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and gloves. The majority of care however, includes growth control. Sumac may grow even through a concrete barrier! So, mow grass around sumac about once a week. You may plant it in any soil. Dry, wet, sandy or rocky soil.If you feel that the soil is too dry, you can water from time to time.

Source:

https://hobby.instory.cz/2664-skumpa-muze-byt-luxusni-ozdobou-vasi-zahrady-je-ale-hodne-zakerna.html

https://living.iprima.cz/zahrada/okrasna-zahrada/skumpa-orobincova-pestovani

Preview photo: Pixabay