Sugar Sumac
Rhus ovata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Rhus ovata (Sugar Sumac) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to Arizona and California that produces clusters of white flowers from March through May, attracting bees and butterflies.
Sugar Sumac (Rhus ovata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sugar Sumac as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–240" H × 72"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sugar sumac is an evergreen native shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in spring. It grows 6-20 feet tall and wide with a rounded form. Drought tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal irrigation.
Growing Sugar Sumac
Grow Sugar Sumac in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sugar Sumac is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, street edge.
- Can grow quite large if not pruned
- May be perceived as too informal in structured landscapes
- Drops some leaves and berries that require cleanup
Wildlife value
Provides valuable nectar for bees and butterflies in spring. The berries also attract birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Sugar Sumac bloom?
- Sugar Sumac blooms from March through May, producing small white flowers in dense clusters that attract pollinators.
- Where is Sugar Sumac native?
- Sugar Sumac is native to Arizona and California, typically found in chaparral and desert mountain regions.
- What pollinators visit Sugar Sumac?
- Sugar Sumac flowers attract bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period from March to May.
- How much water does Sugar Sumac need?
- Sugar Sumac is extremely drought tolerant once established and thrives with minimal water, making it excellent for water-wise gardens.
- Is Sugar Sumac toxic to dogs?
- Sugar Sumac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Sugar Sumac toxic to cats?
- Sugar Sumac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Sugar Sumac toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sugar Sumac as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sugar Sumac HOA-friendly?
- Sugar Sumac is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sugar Sumac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz