Sugar Bush is a long-lived evergreen shrub native to dry slopes, canyons, and foothills in southern California. Preferable to Rhus integrifolia (Lemonade Berry) in hot inland landscapes and ecosystems. As a food and habitat source for birds and small mammals, it is ideal for native landscape and revegetation and restoration projects. Its large, leathery leaves are light green on the bottom and a darker green with pale veining on top, oblong when young and lengthening and folding along the midrib as the plant ages. In spring, it blooms with numerous clusters of small pink and white flowers on brick red sepals. Flowers are followed by elongated, dark pink seed bracts that contrast nicely with its dark green foliage. Highly drought tolerant and needs well-draining soil. Variable in eventual height and width but can be pruned liberally to maintain desired size and form, from understory shrub to tree. Useful for erosion control on slopes, as a tall hedge, and as a windbreak in firescaping. As a member of the Sumac family, its sap can be a skin irritant.
- Common Name:
- Sugarbush
- Mature Height:
- 8-12'
- Mature Spread:
- 8-10'
- Exposure:
- Sun/Light Shade
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- White
- Soil:
- Well drained best
- Foliage Color:
- Green
- Flower Time:
- Winter - Spring
