Rhus ovata (Sugar bush)

Botanical name

Rhus ovata

Other names

Sugar bush, Sugarbush

Genus

Rhus Rhus

Species

R. ovata - R. ovata is an upright to spreading, aromatic, evergreen shrub with glossy, ovate, leathery, pointed, dark green leaves and dense clusters of white to pale pink flowers in spring followed by small, hairy, edible, red fruit.

Native to

California

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Spreading

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested and foliage may cause skin irritation.

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Colour

Flower

White, Pale-pink in Spring

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Highly susceptible to verticillium wilt.

Specific diseases

Coral spot , Verticillium wilt

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 7.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rhus ovata (Sugar bush) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Hedging/Screens, Flavouring food and drinks, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Coastal, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rocky, exposed, coastal conditions. Tolerates extreme drought.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rhus ovata (Sugar bush)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Rhus ovata (Sugar bush)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Rhus ovata (Sugar bush)

Common pest name

; mango aphid

Scientific pest name

Aphis odinae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Aphid pest unlikely to survive in the UK and considered to be little or no pytosanitary risk.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/