Father Pitt

Tag: Rhus typhina

  • Staghorn Sumac

    It is difficult to pick a favorite tree for bright fall colors, but the Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is certainly one of the champions for brightness and variety. It is sometimes confused with the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), also known as Pittsburgh Palm or Tree from Hell; but fall quickly distinguishes them. The leaves of Tree of Heaven just turn sickly yellow, or drop before they turn any color at all. Staghorn Sumac is a native, and like most Northeastern trees it seems to take pride in its autumnal display.

  • Staghorn Sumac in Fall Colors

    Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) has some of the most spectacular fall colors of all the spectacular trees nature plants for us around here. This clump was growing just below Grandview Avenue, Mount Washington, where they clung to the side of the hill. It should not be confused with the notoriously unwelcome Tree of Heaven or Chinese Sumac, also called Pittsburgh Palm or Tree from Hell, whose leaves just turn sickly yellow and fall off.

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  • Fall Colors on the South Side

    Leaves and berries. Above, Red Maple (Acer rubrum).

    Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).

    The beautiful and destructively invasive Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).

    Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina).