Sugar Bush, Sugar sumac

Rhus ovata

Physical Characteristics

Rhus ovata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. 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) and medium (loamy) 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California, Arizona and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Drink Oil Sweetener Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[161]. Slightly acid to sweet tasting[229]. The fruit is only 6 - 8mm in diameter[229] with very little flesh, but it is produced in dense racemes 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). The fruit can also be sucked for the tart juice that forms on its surface[183]. A sweetish white sap exudes from the fruit and can be used as an acid flavouring or a sugar substitute[61, 183]. The leaves are boiled to make a tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Birthing aid Pectoral An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of chest pains, coughs and colds[257]. An infusion has also been taken just before giving birth to facilitate an easy delivery[257]. Some caution is advised in the use of the leaves and stems of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

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'.