Rhus integrifolia Lemonade berry (Anacardiaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Rhus integrifolia
Lemonade berry
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus integrifolia plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Lemonade berry.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus integrifolia
Common Name:  Lemonade berry
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  (Nutt.)Benth.&Hook.

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'.

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Ocean bluffs, canyons and dry places below 800 metres[71], in sandy sterile soil[82]. Often forming close, impenetrable thickets[82].

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 62, 82, 161]. The fruit is covered with a pleasant acid-tasting exudation that can be sucked[84, 92]. The fruit is small, up to 10mm in diameter[229], with very little flesh, but it is produced in fairly large panicles 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)[84, 94, 95]. The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent[183]. The leaves have been chewed to assuage thirst[257]. The roasted fruit is a coffee substitute.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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