Phoenix Desert Seeds

Rhus integrifolia seeds (Lemonade Berry). Grows from Santa Barbara County, CA south into Baja along the coast. A wide-mounding evergreen shrub, 5-10 feet tall, spreading 12 feet, its thick, dull-green leaves cover the plant densely. Tight clusters of cream to pink-colored flowers appear around February, and bunches of flat-sided berries mature in early summer to a rust-red. Loaded with citric acid, they can indeed be made into a tart drink reminiscent of lemonade. On slopes, root depth can reach 15-25 feet making Rhus integrifolia an excellent plant for erosion control.