| Lemonade Berry | |
| Rhus integrifolia | |
| a.k.a. Lemonade Sumac |
Small red colored, elongated berry that can be steeped in water to made a refreshing, lemonade-like drink.
Description: Bushy shrub, usually to no more than 10ft. Can spread to 10-15ft.
The lemonade berry can be trained as a hedge. Pretty white-pink flowers are borne in
large clumps all across the plant in the spring. They are followed a
few months later by the oblong berries, which ripen from green to yellow,
then red. The berries are covered in a sticky substance.
Hardiness: It is somewhat hardy,
able to survive short freezes. However, it may defoliate if temperatures
drop below 32F for too long.
Growing Environment: Plants are
very tolerant of drought and can survive near-desert conditions. Water
is needed only occasionally.
Propagation: By seed or by suckers.
Uses: The berry can be used in the flavoring of beverages.
Native Range: Native to coastal areas of Southern California and Baja, Mexico.