This chaparral plant is very common on the north-facing valley slopes where we live. Commonly known as the “sugar sumac” (why, I have no idea!) or the “lemonade berry” (because you can make a refreshing lemonade-like drink by soaking its berries in water), Rhus ovata is a member of the sumac family and is extraordinarily well-adapted to the hot, dry climate of the chaparral.
I took the picture at right on our walk this morning. The red/pink/white structures are, I believe, the beginnings of the fruit which will form during the fall.
The drought-resistance of this plant is legendary. During our recent five years of drought, Rhus ovata was, on many hillsides, the only vibrantly green plant left. I’ve never seen one that looked sickly, even in the driest, nastiest summer. And they’re fire-resistant — we may be planting some of these!
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