Rhus integrifolia
Common name: 
Lemonade Berry
Lemonade Sumac
Pronunciation: 
roos in-teg-ri-FOL-ia
Family: 
Anacardiaceae
Genus: 
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 3-10 ft (0.9-3 m) tall, similar width, can grow as a tree to about 30 ft (10 m), form dense thickets.  Leaves alternate, simple, leathery, to 5 cm, elliptic (sometimes lobed), rounded at apex, margin entire or with a few small teeth, glossy, dark green above, paler below, fragrant.   Flowers small, about 5 mm, 5 white to pink petals, in clusters at the end of branches, early spring.  Fruit elliptical, 7-10 mm diam, sticky, reddish, covered with hairs, in clusters at the end of branches, the acid pulp can be used to flavor drinks, hence Lemonade Berry.
  • Sun or part shade.  When established no additional water needed.  Grows best near the coast, can be grown as a hedge or espalier.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 9?    Native to southern California and Baja California.
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • branches

    branches

  • leaves and developing flower clusters

    leaves and developing flower clusters

  • leaves

    leaves