Description

The pink flowering sumac is native to northwestern Baja down to Cedros Island. Its range corresponds to the southern limit of the California Floristic Province, i.e. those areas of the Pacific coast with a Mediterranean climate. This sumac grows in a round or spreading form to about seven feet or so. The leaves are a gray-tinged waxy green with toothed edges. In many ways this shrub looks like a combination of lemonade berry, Rhus integrifolia, and sugar bush, Rhus ovata, with which it shares portions of its range. In winter and early spring it is covered with prominent pink flowers which show nicely against the dusky foliage. The fruit are little red disks like other members of the genus. Pink flowering sumac appreciates well-draining soil and a sunny site. It is cold hardy to at least 25F.