This shrub to small tree has multiple short greyish trunks and spreading branches with reddish twigs that form a rounded crown. It has dark glossy green leaves and small pink-white saucer-shaped flowers appear in a dense cluster followed by reddish fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Rhus ovata is naturally found in North America growing from Arizona to Baja California on the coast and inland in canyons, generally on south facing slopes from sea level to an altitude of 1300m (4,200ft).

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in most well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony to clay soils and is frost and very drought tolerant. 

Sugarbush is grown for its foliage and fruit. It is planted in small or arid gardens along borders or in large rockeries. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 3-4 years and is long lived. The shrub also makes an ideal habitat for birds and butterflies and the fruit can be made into a refreshing citrus like drink. ID 3417

Rhus (ROOS) ovata (oh-VAH-tah)

Anacardiaceae (an-a-kard-ee-AY-see-ee)