How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Rhus, Lemonade berry, Sugarbush, Sumac, Wax tree—Rhus spp.
Family Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Plant Identification

Rhus spp. are evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees.  Leaves are divided.  Foliage of deciduous types turns reddish in fall.  In spring or summer, tiny yellow, white, or pink flowers form, followed by small yellow, white, or red fruit that is attractive to birds.  Some species tend to produce suckers.

Optimum conditions for growth

Many species of Rhus are grown as background plants, screens, or hedges.  Smaller types do well in containers.  They do best when planted in areas with full sun and require little to moderate amounts of water.  They tolerate most soil types but require good drainage. 

Leaves of sugar bush
Leaves of sugar bush

Pests and disorders of Rhus spp.

Invertebrates

 

Diseases

 

Environmental disorders

Weeds

Vertebrates


Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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