Rhus integrifolia
lemonade berry
See a tree form of this shrubby species at the southeastern corner of Nora Suppes Hall. Across the driveway from it is a thicket lush with native plantings; more lemonade berry can be found here along with the handsome Rhus ovata, sugar bush. The two species can hybridize.
The name lemonade berry refers to a Native American practice of making a lemon-like drink by dissolving a tart substance found on fresh berries. The dark red wood was referred to as mahogany.
Clipped specimens with stout trunks can be seen in front of and behind the Medical School Office Building.
Illustrations: Jasper Ridge plant photo archive photo archive.
Name derivation: Rhus – Greek name for one of the species in the genus; integrifolia – entire leaves.
About this Entry: The main text of this entry is from the book Trees of Stanford and Environs, by Ronald Bracewell, published 2005. John Rawlings added the Medical School and Campus Drive near Beckman and Fairchild centers locations. Removed cycle path between Stanford Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue location, and Campus Drive locations; R. ovata removed from the title, but remains described here; edits (Jan 2023, SP).
