Description

Laurel Sumac Malosma laurina one of the predominant evergreen shrubs populating the hillsides of coastal Southern California. It grows quickly and strong, forming a rounded shape, but may die back from a cold frost. Leaves on this plant are up to 6 inches long, leathery, folded and curved back which starting out red then turning to a bright green. Frequently the red color remains in the mature leaf's edges. Stems also start out red, then turn reddish-brown then sometimes gray as the plant matures. Flowering occurs in early summer primarily, with the terminal clusters of small cream-colored flowers quickly giving way to red berries with white seeds. The flower clusters persist on the plant well after the flowers and berries are spent.