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Rhus ovata (S.Watson), also known as Sugar Bush or Sugar Sumac, is an evergreen shrub to small tree that grows in chaparral in dry canyons and south-facing slopes below 1300 m in Southern California, Arizona and Baja California. Its size ranges from 2 – 10 m tall and it has a rounded appearance. Rhus ovata often hybridizes with Rhus integrifolia.
The twigs of Rhus ovata are thick and reddish in color. Its foliage consists of dark green, leathery, ovate leaves that are folded along the midrib. The leaf arrangement is alternate. Its inflorescences which occur at the ends of branches consist of small, 5-petaled, flowers that appear to be pink, but upon closer examination actually have white to pink petals with red sepals. Additionally, the flowers may be either bisexual or pistillate. The fruit is a reddish, sticky drupe, and is small, about 6 – 8 mm in diameter.
Uses
Rhus ovata can be used in the landscape. It likes well-drained soil in a sunny location with little water once established since it is very drought tolerant. It does not handle pruning well, however.
The fruit of Rhus ovata can be used to make a drink similar to lemonade. The fruit and flowers are also popular with birds and butterflies and the plant itself provides good habitat for birds.
References and External links
- Saunders, Charles Francis. Edible and Useful Wild Plants, Dover Publications Inc., New York, 1976.
- Schmidt, Marjorie G. Growing California Native Plants, University of California Press, 1980.
- Jepson Flora Project: Rhus ovata
- USDA Plants Profile: Rhus ovata
- Rhus ovata photos
- Sonoran Desert Field Guide