Lemonade Berry
Rhus integrifolia
Also listed as Neostyphonia integrifolia, Schmaltzia integrifolia
Also known as Lemonade Sumac, Sourberry
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lemonade Berry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A California native shrub with pink flowers in spring and tart red berries that can be used to make lemonade-like beverages. Highly drought-tolerant and salt-resistant, making it ideal for coastal and xeriscape gardens.
Why grow it
Lemonade berry offers a functional alternative to ornamental Rhus species where edible fruit is desired alongside landscape appeal. It tolerates the challenging conditions of coastal California gardens where many fruiting shrubs struggle, particularly saline soils and limited water. The tart berries provide a lesser-known native option for small-scale beverage production compared to more common cultivated berry crops.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach productive fruiting size. Inconsistent berry crops can occur in years with unusual spring weather patterns that disrupt flowering. Berries are tart enough to require significant added sweetener for most palates, and flavor quality varies between individual plants and seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A California native shrub with pink flowers in spring and tart red berries that can be used to make lemonade-like beverages. Highly drought-tolerant and salt-resistant, making it ideal for coastal and xeriscape gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lemonade Berry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lemonade berry offers a functional alternative to ornamental Rhus species where edible fruit is desired alongside landscape appeal. It tolerates the challenging conditions of coastal California gardens where many fruiting shrubs struggle, particularly saline soils and limited water. The tart berries provide a lesser-known native option for small-scale beverage production compared to more common cultivated berry crops.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach productive fruiting size. Inconsistent berry crops can occur in years with unusual spring weather patterns that disrupt flowering. Berries are tart enough to require significant added sweetener for most palates, and flavor quality varies between individual plants and seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.