Rhus ovata (Sugar Sumac)

Beautiful year round, Rhus ovata (Sugar Sumac) is a rounded, evergreen shrub or small tree with stout reddish twigs clothed with large, ovate, lustrous dark green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), slightly folded at the midrib. The foliage alone makes it worth planting. In spring, dense white to rose-pink flower clusters appear at the branch tips on female plants. They are followed by conspicuous wine-red fruits that are attractive to birds as well as large and small mammals. Tough, easy to grow, disease resistant, very fast-growing once established, and incredibly low maintenance, Sugar Sumac is great to control erosion and slope stabilization. It also makes a handsome hedge or specimen shrub or small tree in the garden.

• Typically grows up to 4-10 ft. tall and wide (120-300 cm), but can be shorter or taller, upright or spreading.
• Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in a variety of soils as long as they enjoy good drainage. Extremely drought tolerant. Tolerates summer water up to once per month, but should not need any once established.
• Perfect for banks and slopes (erosion control) or hedges.
• Keep an eye out for oak root fungus. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by treated seed or root cuttings.
• Native to southern California, Arizona and Baja California.