1. Laural Sumac – Malosma (Rhus) laurina (mal-OZ-muh
low-RINE-uh)
Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
Native to: Pacific coast from Santa Barbara Co. to Baja, including Channel Islands; coastal sage
scrub (commonly with black, white, or purple sage; Salvia mellifera, S. apiana, S. leucophylla),
chaparral, and S. Oak woodland. May form dense stands, usually mixed with other shrubs, grasses.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/tree
mature height: 8-16 ft. mature width: 10-15 ft.
Large mounding shrub with attractive evergreen, aromatic foliage. New foliage is red-tinged in
spring. Moderately fast growth. Long-lived (30-40+ years). Has specialized ‘sprouting roots’
(lignotubers) that allow it to re-sprout after fire or pruning. Poor frost tolerance -- will die back &
then re-sprout.
Blooms late spring to summer. Flowers are small, white in showy clusters at ends
of branches. Small white berries in fall make this a good habitat plant.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: One of our best native shrubs for privacy screens and clipped hedges.
Evergreen with attractive foliage and branches. Can be espaliered along walls/fences. Good on
slopes and banks for erosion control. Would do fine along roadways, in commercial settings.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody shrubs such as Ligustrum, Oleander, Photinia,
Pittosporum, Podocarpos and Xylosma.
Good bee plant. Excellent bird habitat: provides dense cover and berries for food. A
favorite shrub of warblers. Animals utilize the dense shade in hot weather.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any well-drained soils except those with very high pH (>8.5)
Drought tolerant once established; Zone 1-2 best
Benefits from organic mulch and low dose of added potassium
Management:
Prune to shape in late fall.
Needs periodic pruning to maintain size and shape.
Disease-free.
Propagation: from seed: heat or acid treatment
by cuttings: semi-softwood after blooming;
suckers
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7, 8, 10-14, 16, 20, 21, 24-26
12/12/10
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