  | Description: Laurel Sumac is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that grows 6 to 18 feet tall. The 4-inch long, lanceolate leaves are larger than any other sumacs in the region. The leaves are folded at the midrib, have a smooth, toothless margin, and form an abrupt sharp point at the tip. The aromatic leaves are said to smell like apple or bitter almond when crushed. The “taco-shaped” leaves efficiently collect dew and fog into water drops that fall to the thirsty roots below. This species is also well adapted to fire and quickly recovers by resprouting from the rootstock. The tiny white flowers form dense clusters at the ends of the branches in June and July. The inconspicuous fruit is smooth and white with the dried remains persisting.
Because this shrub cannot tolerate cold, early orange growers in southern California used M. laurina as an indicator of a frost-free area for planting their orchards. Laurel sumac is especially desirable as an ornamental because it is free from insect pest.
Malosma, in Latin, refers to an apple-like odor, while laurina means “laurel-like”. Older sources refer to this species as Rhus laurina. Color: white
Season: June, July,
Community: Coastal Sage Scrub,
Use: Horticultural,
Origin: Native |
