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Staghorn sumac #876349

Asked July 08, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT

I have at least 3 staghorn sumac (some suckering) about 10’ tall. I’m not sure of their age but the home is 20 years old. They seem healthy and produce blooms. On one plant, there are the cone shape pink blooms but on the other two , the blooms are a similar shape but actually larger, not fully developed and are a milky color.I understand there are male and female plants.

Can you tell me what might make the difference in blooms on the various plants? I saw these same blooms last year.

Thanks!

El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Good Morning Geri,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension with your question about the two types of flowers found on your staghorn sumacs.  The staghorn sumac is dioecious, so the flowers will be either male or female on any individual tree,   The tree will be unable to self-pollinate and will need an opposite gender tree for pollination to occur.  This is why there are two different types of flowers on your trees.

https://wp.towson.edu/glenarboretum/home/staghorn-sumac/#:~:text=The%20staghorn%20sumac%20is%20dioecious,flowers%20to%20do%20so%205.

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-information/cmg-gardennotes-class-handouts/staghorn-sumac/

Regards,

Barb S.

El Paso County Colorado Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT
Thanks for the  explanation ! 

Geri Becker

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, July 9, 2024 11:31:27 AM
To: Geri Becker <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Staghorn sumac (#0146267)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT

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