Rhus ovata
Sugar Bush
Description
Dense rounded evergreen shrub growing 8-15 ft. tall & 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, S. Calif into Baja. Leathery rich dark green foliage. Needs additional water in low desert every 2 weeks or afternoon shade. Well drained site. Susc. 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
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Seascape, 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:
As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.
Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.