Sugar bush, Chaparral Sumac

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Arizona, California, northwestern Mexico, 4000 to 6000 feet elevation (1200-1800 m), in canyons

Growth Habits: Large evergreen bush, slowly growing to 10 to 15 feet tall (3-4.5 m), 12 feet wide (3.6 m); shaggy gray brown bark; trunk, up to 5 inches in diameter (12 cm); large fragrant ovate leathery leaves, 2.8 to 4 inches long (7-10 cm), with paler undersides

Watering Needs: Little to moderate water, drought tolerant, well drained soil

Propagation: Seeds, heeled semihardwood cuttings in summer, root cuttings in December, suckers

Blooming Habits:
The Sugar bush has large clusters of pinkish buds becoming creamy flowers in late spring to summer.

Fruiting Habits:
The hairy reddish berries, 0.12 inch in diameter (3 mm), can be eaten raw or cooked, it has a thin layer of flesh. It can also be soaked for 30 to 60 minutes in water to make a refreshing lemonade like drink.

Culture:
Plant in the fall or in winter.

Propagation:
Seeds must be soaked for a day before planting. This treatment is more effective the water is warm (90°F - 32°C) when you start the soaking.