Rhus ovata - Sugar Bush

Rhus ovata is a large green shrub. The Sugar Bush can grow to 15 feet or more in height and width. Rhus ovata blooms with pink opening to white flowers in the Spring. The flowers and seeds can be soaked in water to make a refreshing drink. Rhus ovata is native to California and Arizona in the inland Chaparral portions of the state. Rhus integrifolia, Lemonade Berry, is common closer to the coast. Rhus ovata only needs a little irrigation to get established. The seeds of the Sugar Bush are popular with the seed eating birds and are great for attracting wildlife to your garden. With their deep roots Rhus ovata is a great plant for stabilizing slopes. And with its height Sugar Bush can from an excellent hedge or screen. The plants adapt well to regular trimming. The leaves last too long for to trim your hedge with a hedge trimmer, for Rhus ovata this is best done by hand.