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Lemonade Berry shrub
Rhus integrifolia
33.565, -117.545
Field Notes
Description:
I found this lemonade berry bush (sumac) in full berry mode last month. It was very sticky and attracting ants. Near Caspers Recreational Park, Orange County, CA
Habitat:
From Wikipedia: The Lemonade Berry plant is found on dry slopes in coastal areas of southern California and especially northern Baja California; however, one colony has even been observed as far north as Santa Cruz County. In addition to occurring on dry slopes and in canyon settings, the species sometimes is found on bluffs. The Lemonade Berry occurs in both chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities.
Notes:
From wikipedia:Many plants within this genus are considered toxic, although some reports indicate the berries of this species can be used to make lemonade flavored drinks (hence its common name). Allergic reactions may also result from skin contact with sap from some of the genera.
Lemonade Berry leaves are rich in tannins. Even though the species is evergreen, there is some leaf fall in autumn, at which time the fallen leaves may be used as a brown dye or mordant. An oil can be extracted from Lemonade Berry seeds; moreover, this oil achieves a tallow consistency when left to stand. Thereafter the oil can be employed to manufacture candles, which burn brightly, albeit emitting a pungent scent. The wood of mature plants is dense and hard, making it prized for wood-burning fireplace kindling.
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