Lemonade Sumac
Rhus integrifolia
- Native to:
- Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
peterwchen (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Rhus
- Species:
- Rhus integrifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- RHIN2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Caloptilia ovatiella, Mendocino saturnia moth (Saturnia mendocino), Walter's saturnia moth (Saturnia walterorum)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire; well-adapted to chaparral fire regimes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: R. integrifolia is found within mattoral vegetation association of California
Source: npn.rngr.net