Malosma (Rhus) laurina (Laurel Leaf Sumac)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo shows a bush that has been frost-damaged. It was taken in Caspers Wilderness Park.

More photos:

Hort29 - good view of healthy leaves.
SDNHM - nice photo of a flower cluster and of the bush in bloom.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Anacardiaceae

In the garden:

Malosma laurina, also known as Rhus laurina, is an evergreen shrub (or small tree) grows to 20 feet. It is sometimes almost tree-like with a rounded crown. Twigs are reddish. The pleasantly aromatic foliage is light green and somewhat folded along the midrib. In the summer, it produces soft clusters of white terminal flowers; the dead flowers may persist. White berry-like fruit attracts birds. Once established, this rapid grower requires no summer water. It serves as a good screen or as a bank cover; however, it is frost sensitive and should not be placed where there is a high danger of frost. If it is damaged it will come back quickly from the stump. It is useful as an espalier plant or as a clipped hedge. It also aids in erosion control. It can be grown from seed planted in the fall or early spring. It will grow in almost any soil, but it requires good drainage; soggy soils may kill it. Although it is drought resistant, it thrives best if watered deeply once a month during the summer months. It will take normal garden watering if the drainage is good. It is fire resistant if fairly well watered and it is useful for erosion control. Evergreen species are not as hardy as the deciduous species. It will become rangy unless trimmed periodically.

Note: some individuals are skin sensitive to this plant.

In the wild:

Laurel sumac is commonly found on dry ridges and canyons below 3000' in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, on cismontane slopes and inland to the desert edge.

Ethnobotany:

Laurel sumac was used by the Luiseños to make a ceremonial enclosure. Medicinally, the Tongva used the leaves for a tea, a decoctoin of berries and roots, or the fruits, for chest ailments. An infusion of leves was used for mentruation and childbirth. A decoction of the bark was used for skin problems such as itching and rashes.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

Index
Home