Sambucus nigra caerulea
Sambucus nigra caerulea
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
est. 2005
Once Upon a Watershed
is a program of the CREW
Telling the Story of Our Watershed Through Exploration, Education, and Stewardship
LEMONADEBERRY
Rhus integrifolia
Chumash: štoyho'os Español: Mangle Menor
Plant Description
Category: Shrub
Origin: Coastal sage scrub and chaparral on dry, mostly open-facing slopes from Santa Barbara county to Baja
Evergreen: Yes
Flower Color: Light Pink
Bloomtime: Spring
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 10-15 feet
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Seaside: Yes
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs
Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F
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An oil can be extracted from Lemonade Berry seeds; and has a tallow-like consistency when left to stand. Thereafter the oil can be used to make candles, which burn brightly but emits a pungent scent. Fruits of the Lemonade Berry were used by Indians to make a refreshing drink that resembles pink lemonade. “Rhus juice,” an approximation of the Indian beverage, can be made by adding found, dried berries to water and sweetening it with honey.
The pulp of Lemonade Berry fruits makes a pleasant snack. The oil from the seeds can be used to make candles. Some people may discover an allergic reaction to the sap of this plant and those with a known cashew allergy would be wise not to eat the fruit in any form as the genus Rhus is in the Anacardieaceae - the sumac or cashew family. The fruit is a food source for many species of birds.