staghorn sumac

noun

: a sumac (Rhus typhina) of eastern North America that is a shrub or small tree with velvety-pubescent branches and flower stalks, leaves turning brilliant red in fall, and dense panicles of greenish-yellow flowers followed by hairy crimson fruits

Illustration of staghorn sumac

Illustration of staghorn sumac

Examples of staghorn sumac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ailanthus, the black walnut, and the staghorn sumac are three of their favorite victims. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2022 Officials said the insects prefer to munch on grape, birch, black walnut, hops, lilac, maple, rose, willow, tree of heaven, and staghorn sumac. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Sep. 2022 For one of his birthdays, Woltz hosted guests at a long table on the bowling green under a massive chandelier made from a staghorn sumac that had given up the ghost. Victoria Johnson, ELLE Decor, 1 June 2022 Trees and shrubs that bear fruit that persists into winter, including hollies, many viburnums, hawthorns, staghorn sumac, and wax myrtle, provide natural food sources for birds. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2021 Each leaf of both smooth and staghorn sumac is like a huge bird feather. Jim Gilbert, Star Tribune, 24 Sep. 2020 Use native herbs and seasonings like bergamot, sage, staghorn sumac, mustard, and mint. Sean Sherman, Bon Appetit, 18 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'staghorn sumac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staghorn sumac was circa 1868

Dictionary Entries Near staghorn sumac

Cite this Entry

“Staghorn sumac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staghorn%20sumac. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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