Resident of mild coastal NW Baja California (into Southern California) which can grow into a large shrub, though plants in habitat are often smaller (especially in height) because of local conditions. Heavily branched. Relatively easy to shape with annual pruning. Extremely drought tolerant.

In coastal washes or along hillsides near the coast, this may be the only plant in the landscape that stays green year round. Small flowers open in clusters during January/February, through mid spring. Sharply acidic red fruit (sort of an acquired taste).

The saladito (Rhus integrifolia) is related to the sugar bush (Rhus ovata), which tends to grow more inland. Their flowers are quite similar in appearance but the leaves of the sugar bush (potentially a much larger plant) are normally folded along the midrib and oriented facing up. Both are great choices for California gardens if you're looking for a tough, drought tolerant native shrub (on the large side) that stays green year round and requires almost no maintenance.

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In this plant's native range, the fruits are eaten by many bird species, including the road-runner.

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