Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)

Lemonade Berry

Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is a shrub that’s native to California, both on the coast and in the southwestern part of the state. Candles and brown dye can be made with lemonade Berry's tannin-rich oil, and the wood from a fully-grown plant is often used for kindling.

Scientific classification

Species

Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Winter

Bloom Time

91 cm to 3.5 m

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, White

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Lemonade Berry

Distribution of Lemonade Berry

Distribution Map

Lemonade Berry is a plant with a natural distribution that spans the Nearctic region. It is particularly adapted to and prevalent in North American coastal and inland ecosystems. Despite its native status in these parts, lemonade Berry's range has not extensively expanded beyond its original geographic confines through either natural spread or human cultivation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Ocean bluffs, Canyons and dry places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Toxicity

The lemonade Berry plant's sap can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Contact with its coarse hair may contribute to these effects. Ingestion is suggested to be potentially harmful due to its irritative properties, though there are no known reports of internal poisoning.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Lemonade Berry

Leaves are mid to dark green, leathery, flat, with slightly curled edges and a finely serrated margin.

Petioles and main leaf veins often exhibit maroon to pink hues.

Small, clustered flowers range from white to rose-pink and appear at branch tips from February to May.

Fruit is a sticky, flat drupe with reddish-brown fuzz, housing a hard seed approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) in size.

Scented evergreen shrub reaching 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) in height with robust trunk and sprawling branches.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Lemonade Berry

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Lemonade Berry thrives in coastal sage scrub and chaparral, displaying high drought tolerance and efficient water storage. It requires infrequent watering, about once every 2-3 weeks, and can withstand long dry periods, staying lush as an evergreen even in arid conditions.

Fertilize: Optimal care for lemonade Berry includes fertilizing in early spring and mid-fall with balanced nutrition or high nitrogen fertilizers. Young lemonade Berry benefits from frequent feeding, while mature plants require less. Always water lemonade Berry thoroughly post-fertilization to ensure nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Lemonade Berry is a drought-tolerant shrub with leathery leaves and berry clusters. Light pruning is recommended between early and late winter to maintain shape and promote healthy growth, while avoiding heavy pruning to prevent reduced flowering and berry production.

Propagation: To propagate lemonade Berry, use healthy seeds and a well-draining soil mix. Plant seeds shallowly, maintain consistent moisture, and provide warmth and light. Initial growth may be slow, but with proper care, young lemonade Berry will thrive robustly.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free