Rhus integrifolia

$4.95 – $27.50

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Lemonade-berry

This large evergreen shrub has dark, glossy green leaves which tend to be leathery and rounded at the tips. Growth rate is moderate to 4′-5′ tall, spreading to 15′ or more across.
Native to California slopes above the coast. Pink flowers put on quite a show in February and March (January to July if particularly happy) before giving way to red, hairy, sticky berries. Performs fairly well as a hedge; grows quite well in the shade of Oaks; tolerates clay, but does better in loam, sandy, or rocky soils. Tolerates clipping and is virtually pest-free.

The berries are edible and can also be used for lemonade. Lemonade berry is also good for erosion control.

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Dry, Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand, Rocky

Other: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Birds, Attracts Bees, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Deer Resistant

 

Container

2-Gal, 5-Gal-O, D-40-O, D-40O, 5-Gal, D-40, D-40S, TB4
Ecological Value

The fruit is consumed by roadrunners and many upland gamebirds, songbirds, large and small mammals. Also provides a special value to native bees.
Historical Uses

The Cahuilla and other California native people ate the fruits of the lemonade berry raw. They soaked the berries in water to make a beverage, and ground the dried berries into flour for a mush or to

Distribution

From Santa Barbara County and the Channel Islands to San Diego, extending into Baja California & its offshore islands
Elevation

Between 0 and 2953 feet
Communities
Habitat

Ocean bluffs, canyons and dry places below

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