Common Names: aka Sugar bush
Habitat: evergreen shrub to small tree that grows in chaparral in dry canyons and south-facing slopes below 1300 m. common in the Superstitions.
Flowers: inflorescences which occur at the ends of branches consist of small, 5-petaled, flowers that appear to be pink, but upon closer examination actually have white to pink petals with red sepals.
Description: from 2 - 10 m tall and it has a rounded appearance. The twigs of Rhus ovata are thick and reddish in color. Its foliage consists of dark green, leathery, ovate leaves that are folded along the midrib. The leaf arrangement is alternate.
Comments: The fruit is a reddish, sticky drupe, and is small, about 6 - 8 mm in diameter. Source: Wikipedia. See also Laurel Sumac. If the leaves are shiny, dark green & taper gently to a point it is probably Sugar Sumac. If the leaves are dull green, long & narrow and an abrupt point it is probably Laurel Sumac.