Rhus typhina

Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina, commonly known as staghorn sumac, is a striking deciduous shrub celebrated for its velvety red stems and dramatic autumn foliage. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this resilient plant holds historical significance in traditional medicine, valued for its high antioxidant content and tart, vitamin-rich berries used in various remedies.

  • Scientific name: Rhus typhina
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Rhus typhina, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Sapindales and the family Anacardiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic classification concludes within the genus Rhus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Anacardiaceae WCVP
Genus Rhus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Rhus typhina, is recognized by various common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 火炬树, a name used consistently in mainland China (zh-cn) and Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 火炬樹, which is the standard designation in Hong Kong (zh-hk) and Taiwan (zh-hant).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 火炬树 Wikidata
zh-hant 火炬樹 Wikidata
zh-hk 火炬樹 Wikidata
zh-cn 火炬树 Wikidata
zh-sg 火炬树 Wikidata
zh-tw 火炬樹 Wikidata
pl Sumak odurzający Wikidata
fr sumac vinaigrier Wikidata
ru Сумах оленерогий Wikidata
hu ecetfa Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Rhus typhina, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also established in the country of Austria. Its presence extends further into the regions of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, the plant is commonly documented throughout Germany.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), possesses distinct anatomical features that contribute to its unique texture and chemical profile. The most visually striking component is the dense covering of multicellular trichomes, which give the young stems and petioles their characteristic velvety or "hairy" appearance. Internally, the plant utilizes specialized secretory structures to house and manage its secondary metabolites, such as organic acids and tannins. These substances are often distributed through specialized secretory ducts located within the tissues, which facilitate the transport and storage of the medicinal compounds that define the plant's chemical identity.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
trichomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
secretory structures 1 ★☆☆☆☆
secretory ducts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rhus typhina has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include sesquiterpenes.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
sesquiterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆