Science · Plants, Natives & Crops

Lemonade Berry

Southern California and Baja coastal native with leathery leaves and sticky reddish fruit; distinct from sugar bush, Rhus ovata.

Rhus integrifolia · Evergreen coastal shrub

Profile

Light: Sun to partial shade
Climate: Best in mild coastal conditions; severe frost can injure it
Habit: Broad spreading shrub or small tree
Wildlife: Flowers support insects and fruits feed birds

Water & soil targets

Moisture (VWC): Site-calibrated; depends on soil texture
Salinity tolerance: Not reliably characterized for this catalog label; avoid saline irrigation and diagnose with soil/water testing.
Drought tolerance: High once established in coastal conditions.

Optimal root measurement depth

6–12 in

Typical active root zone for established native shrubs and vines. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.

Irrigate deeply but infrequently during establishment; avoid continuously wet soil. Coastal suitability is not a guarantee of tolerance to saline root-zone water.

Problems to watch

Root disease in poorly drained soil
Scale insects
Freeze injury inland

Stress signs

Blackened tips following frost
Sticky leaves and sooty mold
Persistent crown thinning

Where you'll find it

Coastal screens
Native slope stabilization

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All Science profiles

General agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.