Rhus integrifolia - Lemonade Berry

Evergreen shrub or small tree to 6 ft tall by 8 ft wide or smaller. Aromatic, dark green leaves with toothed margins and red venation. White to pale pink flowers in spring, followed by sticky red fruit in fall that makes a refreshing beverage. Great for slope stabilization, especially in sandy soils. Accepts pruning; makes a good visual screen. Excellent bird habitat. Full sun to shade. Low water. Tolerates many soils, prefers fast drainage. Hardy to 10º F.

Best buds with . . .

California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia), Chaparral Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Chaparral Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei)