Rhus integrifolia
Lemonade Berry is an evergreen shrub. It tends to grow upright (10- 30 feet tall), but sprawls coastside. It is often found in coastal canyons where it sometimes dominates entire hillsides. The Lemonade Berry’s petioles are pink or brownish and leaf blades are leathery. Leaves are toothed or not with a waxy appearance above and a paler tone below. The flowers, which appear from February to May, are small but noticeable. The glandular fruit is red to gray and has a tart flavor, which gives the plant its name. Lemonade Berry is an important wildlife plant. The berries are a significant food source for birds and small mammals.Lemonade Berry is hardy, making it easy to grow and maintain. Once established, will stay green and healthy looking year round without any supplementary summer water. It is a great plan for bank stabilization, and serves as fire retardant. Lemonade Berry is very closely related to Sugar Bush. A good rule of thumb for landscaping applications is within 5-10 miles of the coast, Lemonade Berry is a better choice. More inland, Sugar Bush does better.