Staghorn sumac for birds in Indiana
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food. Native to Indiana, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rhus typhina
- Native status
- Native in Indiana
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Indiana birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in Indiana
Humid continental, from Lake Michigan dunes in the north to the forested hill country of the south.
Warm, humid summers with frequent storms.
Indiana birds that use Staghorn sumac
Year-round residents (9)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (14)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (6)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing
Cold winters with lake-effect snow in the far north.
Nesting season it supports in Indiana
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
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with Staghorn sumac in Indiana
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 Indiana?
Yes. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is recorded as native in Indiana. Indiana spans USDA 5b–7a.
What birds does Staghorn sumac attract in Indiana?
In Indiana, 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 Indiana?
23 of those birds nest in Indiana: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Staghorn sumac in Indiana?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Indiana during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Indiana
- 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.