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Wednesday 13 August 2008

The 'horns" of our Staghorn Sumac


I think all of this extra rain this year, has jump started our Sumac into growing amazing 'horns". I have never seen them so large and darkly coloured so early in the season. Is this the secret we haven't seen because of almost all of our summers here being labeled 'drought' like ? The fruit reminds me of pomegranate seeds. I know there are recipes for teas etc .. to use with the fruit. I just admire them for what they are on this amazing tree. My Halloween tree I call it because of the fantastic colours it dresses in for Autumn. This and the ever energetic Engelmann ivy are truly stunning in their own beauty .. something I look forward to every year.








10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is stunning! The contrast with the greenery is gorgeous! Wish I had some.
Brenda

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Brenda I always said when I have my own garden I want one (at least one) .. and seeing them in Holland truly wowed ? me !

Nancy .. that is darn funny ! .. they grow by the road side here in colonies .. but the way I have trained this one is like a true tree .. hubby was in awe once I got it to this point this year .. haha ..

Gail said...

Tell me more about this beauty Joy! I think a native this good looking is needed in my garden! Is he one of the ones that suckers or is it a single tree? Love it!

gail

Anonymous said...

They do look nice and burgandy for all the fall glory. I designed a house today and used pumpkins on my table for the fall decorations. I thought of you when I did it. It was nice and cool here today and I so wanted to climb up in the attic and get down the decorations.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Anna .. it wasn't too bad this morning here either ! .. wet .. from rain but the sun is out and things are lush looking. The leaves turn scarlet and orange with this beauty .. I can't wait .. you are in the "pumpkin mood" !!! LOL

Gail .. they usually colonize into tall shrubs or short trees (depending on your perspective ?) yes they sucker .. and the fruit can create little ones (I have picked quite a few out of the borders) but I love it and have grown it to a tall tree with almost a palm tree canopy .. so it took a little time and effort : )
BUT it is my Halloween Tree ^..^

Roses and Lilacs said...

I like to cut a few and use them in fall arrangements.

I don't think I've seen any that size.
Marnie

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Hi Marnie .. this Sumac has surpassed the local ones amazingly so .. must be happy in my garden ? LOL.. that is a great idea, I hadn't thought of that !

WiseAcre said...

Your Sumac seems a bit further along than the ones here. I should post a 'response' with my photos but I'm dealing with some fungus that's plugged up my camera right now :)

Glad it was mentioned - Staghorn Sumac can be very very aggressive. But a 'bower' that a 'mature' colony made is a really neat sitting area to get out of the sun at my old place.

Anonymous said...

I'm pumpkining today and thought about you! and Emma and Sophie

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Anna .. did you take pictures of you pumkining ? I can't wait to hold back until the 'just the right time TIME" to change over what Ihave on my front step .. mums are out already but buying them now is rather un-timely yet I think. The girls appreciate the thoughts thanks !!

Hello there W.A.
Yes .. I am astonished how far my Staghorn is along the lines of colour with the horns .. now if the weather would cooperate with cool dry air for Autumn colour .. well .. it would be next to heaven ? for me ? .. and YES ! stay out of the sun and get some fungus powder on that camera ?? LOL