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Lemonade Berry

Rhus integrifolia

shrub View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

well-drained; tolerates clay; salt tolerant

Size

5–15ft tall , 5–15ft wide

Bloom

Feb-May · pink, white

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Berries made into traditional lemonade-like beverage

Native Range

Coastal Southern California and Baja California

Dense clusters of small pink to white flowers

Tart berries can make lemonade-like drink; excellent coastal screen

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your lemonade berry in full sun or part shade in well-draining soil - it tolerates many soil types, including clay, so drainage is more important than soil type. Plant in fall or winter for best establishment. Space according to your final size goal: this plant grows slowly at first, then fast to 10-15 feet tall in the Bay Area, with a sprawling form, so give it room or plan to prune. Choose a spot on a slope or area where it won't need summer water once established.

After Planting

Water regularly during your first growing season to establish deep roots, then dramatically reduce watering - once established, lemonade berry needs only very low water and can thrive with no supplemental summer irrigation beyond 2 waterings per month. Year one will look slow; the real growth kick happens in year two and beyond. Prune or shear anytime of year to control its sprawling form or shape it as a hedge. The #1 mistake is overwatering: this plant becomes nearly indestructible once established precisely because it's adapted to drought, so less water means a healthier plant.

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