Lemonade Sumac (Rhus integrifolia)

Lemonade Sumac

(Rhus integrifolia)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Rhus integrifolia, commonly known as Lemonade Sumac, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of California and Baja California, Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet and a width of 5-15 feet. The plant has a dense, rounded form with leathery, simple leaves that are unique within its genus, where most species have trifoliate leaves. The leaves are alternately arranged and persist throughout the year. From February to May, Lemonade Sumac produces small, tightly clustered flowers that are either bisexual or female. The flowers are not particularly showy but are followed by elliptical fruits that form dense clusters at the twig ends, which are attractive to birds. The mature plant has a thicket-like, sprawling habit.

Lemonade Sumac is valued for its drought tolerance and wildlife support, offering nectar and fruit for birds and butterflies. It is often used in landscaping as a hedge, screen, or espalier. The plant is frost-sensitive, but damaged specimens typically recover by summer. It has a slow to moderate growth rate and is resistant to deer predation. Cultivation requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat, including well-drained soil and minimal summer watering. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 5-15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of California and Baja California, Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Lemonadeberry , Sourberry

Scientific Names: Rhus integrifolia , Styphonia serrata , Schmaltzia integrifolia , Styphonia integrifolia , Neostyphonia integrifolia , Rhus hindsiana , Rhus integrifolia var. serrata , Toxicodendron hindsianum , Toxicodendron integrifolium

GBIF Accepted Name: Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.) Benth. & Hook.fil. ex Brewer & S.Watson