Rhus ovata
Sugar Bush
Description
Dense, rounded evergreen shrub growing 8'-15' tall and wide with creamy flowers between March & May. Small red fruit. Grows well in inland areas and is drought tolerant. Native dry mountain slopes 3-5000' AZ, So. CA and into Baja. Leathery, rich, dark green foliage. Needs additional water in low desert every 2 weeks or afternoon shade. Well drained site. Susceptible to verticillium wilt in wet areas.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Pink, Red
Fruit Season
Summer
Leaf Season
Evergreen
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Parking Lot, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.