< Back

Sugarbush

Rhus ovata

false

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Sugarbush

Out of stock

15'x15'

Sizes:

Sugar Bush — Rhus ovata

Also known as: Sugar Sumac, Sugarbush

Sugar Bush is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded shape and thick, leathery leaves that stay green year-round. The leaves are bright green, often with a glossy surface, and arranged in pairs. In spring, the plant produces tight clusters of small, creamy white flowers, followed by sticky, reddish fruits that are especially attractive to birds. Its thick reddish twigs give it an eye-catching appearance even when not in bloom.

This plant is native to the chaparral and dry slopes of southern California, Arizona, and Baja California, and adapts well to desert gardens. It is known for being tough, low-maintenance, and very fast-growing once established. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. While it grows in a variety of soils—including clay—it performs best with deep, occasional watering in low desert landscapes. In cooler or higher elevation areas, no supplemental irrigation is needed after establishment.

Sugar Bush can grow very large, often spreading more than 30 feet wide, so give it plenty of space in the landscape. It works beautifully as a screen, hedge, or feature plant, but it’s important to prune lightly and only when necessary to maintain a natural shape. Do not shear or thin the canopy, as this plant does not tolerate heavy pruning. It is considered fire-resistant, especially when grown with occasional irrigation.

In addition to being attractive and drought-tolerant, Sugar Bush is a wildlife magnet—drawing in butterflies, native bees, and a variety of desert birds. Its flowers and fruits provide critical resources, making it a superb addition to pollinator and bird gardens.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Checkered White (Pontia protodice); Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus); Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus); Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus); Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus); Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus); Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus); Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus); Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Insects; Nest Sites
Bird Species: California Quail (Callipepla californica); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

15'x15'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

White

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

Required minimal pruning except to train as a small tree

Cold Hardiness:

10 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.