Malosma spp.

laurel sumac

Anacardiaceae

Coastal southern California and Baja California

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Malosma spp. is a monotypic genus in the cashew family, represented by the single species M. laurina, an evergreen shrub or small tree of coastal southern California and Baja California. Plants reach 6.5–18 ft (2–5.5 m) tall and spread into a broad, rounded crown. The aromatic leaves are lance-shaped, 2–4 in (5–10 cm) long, and fold upward along the reddish midrib into a taco-like profile that helps separate it from other chaparral shrubs. Reddish petioles and new growth contrast with the glossy green blades. Small cream-white flowers open in dense terminal panicles 2–6 in (5–15 cm) long during late spring and summer, followed by tiny whitish drupes. The species resprouts vigorously from a woody root crown after fire. It tolerates drought once established and grows on dry, well-drained slopes. Frost tolerance is low: foliage is damaged below about 25°F (-4°C), and the plant historically marked the frost line for citrus growers. Like other members of the cashew family, the sap can irritate sensitive skin, which limits its use near paths and play areas.

Native Range

Malosma laurina is native to coastal southern California and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral below about 3,000 ft (900 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown in native and habitat gardens, on dry banks, and for erosion control on sunny slopes in mild-winter regions. It works as an evergreen screen or informal hedge in coastal California landscapes. The resprouting habit suits fire-adapted chaparral restoration.

How to Identify

Identified by aromatic lance-shaped leaves that fold upward along a red midrib into a taco-like shape, set on reddish petioles. Dense terminal clusters of small cream-white flowers appear in late spring and summer, followed by small whitish drupes. The rounded evergreen crown and resprouting woody base are typical in chaparral.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6'7" - 18'

Width/Spread10' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Bloom comes in late spring and summer, roughly May through July. Small cream-white flowers crowd terminal panicles up to 6 in (15 cm) long, drawing bees and other insects. Tiny whitish drupes follow and persist into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy green with red midrib and petioles

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Malosma laurina grows in full sun on dry, well-drained slopes and takes poor, rocky soils. Once established it needs little or no summer water and withstands extended drought. Growth is rapid in warm weather, and plants resprout strongly from the root crown after cutting or fire. Cold below about 25°F (-4°C) damages foliage, so the species holds reliably in frost-free coastal and inland valley sites. Summer irrigation in heavy soils can encourage root disease. Contact with cut stems or sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or crossing wood in late summer. Plants tolerate hard renewal cutting and resprout from the base. Selective thinning keeps an open framework on older specimens.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to humans

Trees and Shrubs

Malosma spp.

laurel sumac

Anacardiaceae

Coastal southern California and Baja California

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Native Range

Malosma laurina is native to coastal southern California and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral below about 3,000 ft (900 m).