Staghorn sumac for birds in Connecticut
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food. Native to Connecticut, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rhus typhina
- Native status
- Native in Connecticut
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Connecticut birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in Connecticut
Humid continental with maritime moderation along Long Island Sound.
Warm, humid summers; peak nesting runs May through July.
Connecticut birds that use Staghorn sumac
Year-round residents (10)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (13)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (6)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing
Snowy winters with regular nor'easters; feeders carry chickadees, titmice and juncos through January and February.
Nesting season it supports in Connecticut
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Staghorn sumac:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
- Gray Catbird — May–July
Native plants to pair with Staghorn sumac in Connecticut
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Staghorn sumac native to Connecticut?
Yes. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is recorded as native in Connecticut. Connecticut spans USDA 5b–7b.
What birds does Staghorn sumac attract in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, Staghorn sumac supports 29 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Staghorn sumac help nesting birds in Connecticut?
23 of those birds nest in Connecticut: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Staghorn sumac in Connecticut?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Connecticut during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Connecticut
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.