Rhus typhina, Staghorn Sumac, is a tough deciduous small tree from the southeastern states of Canada and the northeastern and midwest states of the USA. As can be inferred from this native range it is completely hardy in the UK. It has attractive pinnate foliage that resembles a small palm and in the summer produces its spectacular inflorescences that consist of thousands of tiny flowers. They create a horn-shaped maroon-colored soft spike resembling the velvet of a young deer's antler from which is derived its common name. A tall Rhus typhina with its lush green palm-like foliage and crimson 'horns' is a handsome and remarkably exotic sight working well with other more obviously exotic planting choices.

In autumn, the foliage of Rhus typhina turns a gorgeous flaming red before turning bright orange then yellow. It is happy on poor dry soil and its only real cultivation requirement is to remove any unwanted suckers which can turn up quite some distance from the main plant in the manner of a Robinia. It's really not a big deal: spade in, remove sucker, job done - but some people go on about it as if it's the end of the world. If it was the biggest problem I had I would be quite happy!