Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with a fine, uniform texture. Can exhibit distinct growth rings and occasional small knots or irregularities due to its shrub-like growth habit.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vibrant, distinct olive-green to yellow-gold color, often with streaks of brown. Sapwood is a pale, creamy white or light yellow. It has a high natural luster and can develop a darker, more brownish patina over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
680 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; poor resistance to decay and rot, very susceptible to insect attack if used outdoors or in damp conditions.
Common Uses
Ornamental woodturning, small specialty items, decorative inlays, knife handles, hollowed-out containers (due to its soft pith), and walking sticks.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern North America, ranging from Ontario and Quebec down to the Southern United States and west toward the Great Plains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Varies significantly as it is rarely sold commercially; typically scavenged, but hobbyist blanks sell for approximately $5.00 to $12.00 per board foot equivalent for specialty turning blocks.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample shown is a young sapling, likely between 1 and 2 years old based on the diameter and tender foliage development.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); not CITES listed. It is considered an aggressive, pioneer species and is highly sustainable/readily available throughout its native range.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands smoothly, though its soft nature makes it prone to denting. Glue and finishes adhere well. Small pith in the center can be easily removed.
Notable Features
Features a unique fluorescent quality under UV light. Known for having a very large, soft, light-colored pith. The sap and leaves contain high levels of tannins; its hairy stems (on older branches) resemble stag antlers.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear film-building finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to preserve the unique green hue, which otherwise fades quickly to brown with oil-only finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; identification is based on the pinnately compound leaves with serrated margins, the distinct red/burgundy rachis (stem), and the characteristic growth habit of the sapling in a field setting.