Malosma laurina
Laurel sumac
(c) Skyler K, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Anacardiaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Malosma laurina (Laurel sumac) is a native California shrub / tree in the Anacardiaceae family, recognized by Endemic genus; unique simple-leaved morphology within California sumac family.
Laurel sumac is a California native shrub found in the southwestern bioregion on slopes and in canyons within chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white flowers in delicate branched clusters. Growing 2 to 6 meters tall with an evergreen, leathery structure, it forms a distinctive shrub with branches that curve and spread. Its simple leaves are elliptic to lance-oblong, 3 to 10 centimeters long, with an unusual characteristic of being slightly folded along the midrib and ending in an abrupt-pointed tip. The small fruits are approximately 2 to 3 millimeters in diameter and have a whitish appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Endemic genus; unique simple-leaved morphology within California sumac family
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, canyons, chaparral
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Imperial
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Malosma laurina blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Rhus: Malosma has simple leaves; Rhus has compound leaves divided into multiple leaflets.; vs Heteromeles: Malosma has slender flower branches and tiny smooth fruits; toyon has chunky red berries and saw-toothed leaves.; vs Frangula: Malosma leaves are leathery and stiff; Frangula leaves are thinner with prominent parallel veins.; vs Sambucus: Malosma has simple evergreen leaves; elderberry has compound leaves with toothed leaflets.; vs Salix: Malosma has leathery, rigid evergreen leaves; willow leaves are thinner and more flexible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malosma laurina native to California?
Yes. Malosma laurina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malosma laurina bloom?
Malosma laurina blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Malosma laurina grow?
Malosma laurina occurs in Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Malosma laurina belong to?
Malosma laurina is in the Anacardiaceae family, genus Malosma.
What habitat does Malosma laurina grow in?
Malosma laurina grows in Slopes, canyons, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.