Rhus ovata
Sugar Bush
Description
Dense, rounded evergreen shrub growing 8'-15' tall and wide with creamy flowers in spring. Small red fruit follows blooms, which are edible. It grows well in inland areas and is drought tolerant. Leathery, rich, dark foliage is evergreen. It prefers full sun and well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established although it could use additional irrigation in hot summer areas. Do not plant in wet areas.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Pink, Red
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Extra in Summer
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
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Park, Roadside, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.