Staghorn Sumac Pollen Color, Bloom Season and Bee Forage

Visual guideStaghorn Sumac pollen

Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Facts

SeasonSummer

USDA Zone3 - 8

Plant TypeShrub

ForagePollen and nectar

Pollen ValueLow

Nectar ValueHigh

Color FamilyOrange and amber

Scientific NameRhus typhina

Common NamesStaghorn sumac

Native RegionsSouthern Canada, Eastern and central United States

Range StatusNative to eastern and central North America.

Color ConfidenceModerate

Color MethodA beekeeper plant-forage reference describes staghorn sumac pollen as yellow-brown; the digital swatch is approximate.

Reviewed2026-10-11

Quick Answer

Staghorn Sumac pollen is shown in this guide as an orange and amber tone. It is listed as shrub, associated with summer bloom timing, USDA zone 3 - 8, and pollen and nectar forage value.

Pollen Color Notes

The visual color shown for Staghorn Sumac is grouped broadly with orange and amber pollen tones. It is intended for comparison and identification support, not as a laboratory measurement.

Pollen color is highly variable. Lighting, pollen age, moisture, collection method, cultivar, and local growing conditions can all change how pollen appears. Use this as general visual guidance, not a scientific color standard or guaranteed field match.

Bloom, Zone, and Forage Context

Staghorn Sumac is listed for summer. The record lists USDA zone 3 - 8; hardiness zones are planning context, not a precise flowering calendar. Approximate bloom months in the supplemental notes: May, June, July.

Its forage type is pollen and nectar, with pollen value marked as low and nectar value marked as high. Male flower clusters provide pollen while nectar value can be strong where sumac colonies are abundant; male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Identification Notes

Staghorn sumac is a colony-forming shrub or small tree with velvety young twigs, pinnate leaves, greenish flower panicles, and red fruit clusters on female plants.

Flower color note: Greenish yellow. Flower color and pollen color may differ.

Related by Similar Color

Crimson Clover - Orange and amber Ling Heather - Orange and amber Simpson's Rosinweed - Orange and amber Lilac (Persian) - Orange and amber Cedar - Orange and amber Alsike Clover - Orange and amber

Related by Season

Adam's Needle - Summer American Basswood - Summer Basil - Summer Bee Balm - Summer Bindweed - Summer Bird's-Foot Trefoil - Summer

Related by Plant Type

Adam's Needle - Shrub Bell Heath - Shrub Berberis - Shrub Blackberry - Shrub Blackhaw Viburnum - Shrub Blackthorn - Shrub

Related by USDA Zone

Adam's Needle - Zone 4 - 10 Alder - Zone 2 - 7 Allium - Zone 3 - 9 Almond - Zone 4 - 8 Alsike Clover - Zone 3 - 8 American Basswood - Zone 3 - 8

Related by Bee Forage

Adam's Needle - Pollen and nectar Alfalfa - Pollen and nectar Allium - Pollen and nectar Almond - Pollen and nectar Alsike Clover - Pollen and nectar American Basswood - Pollen and nectar

Sources

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
United States Department of Agriculture / reviewed 2026-07-12
USDA hardiness zone context USDA PLANTS Database
United States Department of Agriculture / reviewed 2026-07-12
scientific name, common name, distribution context, plant classification Garden Plants for Honey Bees
Central Coast Beekeepers Association of Oregon / reviewed 2026-10-11
pollen color category, bloom month, pollen value, nectar value Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Foundation contributors / reviewed 2026-07-12
plant image, image credit link