Wood: The
wood is not used commercially as it is soft and weak.
Wildlife: The smooth sumac (R. glabra) and the staghorn sumac are important native plants for wildlife. The persistent fruits are a valuable source of winter food for birds. Deer and moose browse the twigs and leaves; rabbits eat the bark; and honeybees are attracted to the flowers. Staghorn sumacs provide valuable cover and nesting sites for wildlife. The fruits are used to make a refreshing, lemon-like drink that is high in Vitamin C.
Horticulture: This sumac is good for erosion control as it suckers from the roots and forms fast-growing colonies. It is sometimes planted as a border tree or an edge plant for wildlife. It is not suited to small spaces, foundation- or container-planting. 'Laciniata' is a female variety with deeply divided, fern-like leaves. 'Dissecta' is a female variety with more deeply divided leaves. The native smooth sumac (R. glabra) is smaller (to 15 feet tall) than the staghorn sumac, has hairless twigs and smooth leaf margins.
