Lemonade Berry, Lemonade sumac

Rhus integrifolia

Physical Characteristics

Rhus integrifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Coffee Drink Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 62, 82, 161]. The fruit is covered with a pleasant acid-tasting exudation that can be sucked[84, 92]. The fruit is small, up to 10mm in diameter[229], with very little flesh, but it is produced in fairly large panicles and so is easily harvested. When soaked for 10 - 30 minutes in hot or cold water it makes a very refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course)[84, 94, 95]. The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent[183]. The leaves have been chewed to assuage thirst[257]. The roasted fruit is a coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.