PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, sunny sites for vibrant autumn foliage
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply during prolonged dry spells to support healthy growth
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates hot summer temperatures without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound leaves with 11–31 leaflets; fuzzy undersides; turn bright red/orange in autumn
- Flower: Dense conical clusters of tiny greenish-yellow flowers; male and female on separate plants
- Stem/Bark: Young stems covered in dense brown fuzz, resembling stag antler velvet
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during the first 2 years of establishment; reduce frequency once mature
Fertilization
Light application of balanced organic feed in early spring. Fertilizer is rarely needed for established plants in native soil
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base in early spring; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritationPruning
- Remove suckers regularly to control spread and maintain a compact shape
- Prune dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and light penetration
- Cut back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth in early spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Sap contains urushiol-like compounds; may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience and autumn vibrancy; used in some Indigenous North American cultural crafts
Usage: Ornamental landscape plant for autumn foliage; edible red berries used to make tart beverages
