Sugar Bush

Rhus ovata

Anacardiaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced

Last updated March 8, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

4–10 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Well Drained

Water

Low

Hardiness

Zones 8b–9a

Bloom Time

mid spring

Origin

California, from the chaparrals of Santa Barbara County

View full calendar (5 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Bloom start BBCH 61	Apr 1-Apr 30	First open flowers visible; flowers white
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Mar 15-May 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: red
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.