Rhus integrifolia – Lemonade berry -5gallon

A favorite chaparral shrub for coastal San Diego, where it is fairly common. This sumac can reach large dimensions of around 20 feet both tall and wide, depending on local conditions such as wind. Despite the large potential size, it is fairly easily managed and can be hedged or shaped with one or two trimmings per year. Beautiful evergreen foliage is complemented in winter by pink flower clusters, a great nectar source for monarch butterflies. It also provides plentiful amounts of its namesake fruit, small but very tart berries that can be mixed with water for a refreshing beverage.