Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac produces greenish-yellow male and female flowers in June, followed by clusters of reddish, hairy fruit that ripen in late summer and can persist into winter. It has medium green, finely cut compound leaves that are sometimes glossy, turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and scarlet in the fall. Known for its profuse suckering, it forms colonies of erratic, velvety branches.

Rhus typhina grows best in a slightly acidic, fertile soil and full sun, however, it will tolerate dry or compacted soils and other urban conditions. They do not like a poorly drained soil.