Sugar Sumac
Rhus ovata
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Tree, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, attracts birds to the fruit |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
6-15' × 6-10' |
| Flowering Season | February-May |
| Flower Color | White/pink |
| Minimum Temperature Range | -20 °F |
| Leaf Description | Thick, almost succulent, ovate leaves |
| Fruit | Tart, red, berry |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1500-6500 ft. |
| Description | This sumac is a member of chaparral species assemblages and grows in California and central Arizona. It is very prominent between Phoenix and Sedona. Look for this plant on open, rocky hillsides with Agaves (Agave spp.), Juniper (Juniperus spp.), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus breviflorus), beargrass (Nolina microcarpa) etc. In California this plant grows in extremely arid habitats such as around Anzo-Borrego park. This species is incredibly drought tolerant when established and could probably be planted in many southern Arizona gardens outside of its natural range. |
