Plant of the Month (October) : Laurel Sumac – Malosma laurina

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): Mother Nature's Pollinator Garden

 

Southern California is home to an array of remarkable native shrubs. Many are more drought-tolerant than the non-natives commonly used in local landscapes.  In addition, the natives have interesting and useful attributes that make them welcome additions to the garden.  One such shrub – if one has the space – is our plant of the month, Laurel sumac.  The scientific name is pronounced mal-OZ-muh   low-RINE-uh.

Laurel sumac is a member of the Anacardiaceae (Cashew) Family, which includes such well-known S. California species as Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica [Rhus trilobata]), Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), Sugarbush (Rhus ovata), and Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum).  The family also includes Pistachios, Cashews and the non-native Pepper Trees often used in S. California landscapes. For more on this interesting family see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2014/12/plant-of-month-december-lemonadeberry.html.

Malosma laurina grows from Fresno and San Luis Obispo Counties south to Baja California, Mexico.  In Los Angeles County, it can still be seen growing wild on Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands, in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel foothills, Verdugo Mountains, on the Palos Verdes peninsula and in other undisturbed places.  Laurel sumac’s distribution is limited primarily by its frost-sensitivity.  In past times, orchardists used this plant as an indicator of frost-free zones – places to plant crops such as citrus and avocados. [1]

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): Palos Verdes Peninsula

Laurel sumac usually grows on dry ridges and canyons below 3000' in chaparral and coastal sage scrub.  It’s occasionally found in S. Oak Woodlands, but only where frosts are rare.  Common associates are Black, White and Purple sages, California sagebrush, Toyon, Lemonadeberry, Sugarbush, Bigberry manzanita, California encelia and the Goldenbushes (among many others).

Laurel sumac was first collected in San Diego County in the 1870’s by Daniel Cleveland and Edward Palmer.  It was more widely collected in the 1880’s and 1890’s by such notable California plantspersons as the Parish brothers, the Brandegees, Blanche Trask and J.H. Barber.  The species was first introduced into cultivation by Theodore Payne. [2]   For more on these early collectors see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/05/californias-fascinating-native-plants.html

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): growth habit

Laurel sumac is a large shrub or multi-trunked small tree.  At maturity, it reaches heights of 10-15 ft. (3 to 4.5 meters) and diameters of about the same.   In favorable locations, a plant can be as much as 20 ft. tall and wide.  The overall shape is rounded to slightly sprawling.  In the wilds, Laurel sumac can create thickets in favorable sites.  This is likely due to seeds falling near parent plants.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): branches

 

The trunks and branches are substantial, and like Toyon and Lemonadeberry, the wood is moist and rather fibrous.  The bark on young stems is red-brown; it becomes an attractive pale gray-brown on older branches.  The shape and bark color make this a good alternative to Oleander, Photinia, Pittosporum and Xylosma. 

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): young leaves

 

One of the best reasons to plant Malosma laurina is its year-round interest and color.  Laurel sumac is evergreen, a characteristic prized in and of itself.  But  ‘evergreen’ scarcely does justice to the variations in leaf color typical of this species.  Young leaves and branch tips are a brilliant red/orange (above), due to anthocyanin pigments that protect from herbivory and sun-scald. This red color is often retained on the edges of mature leaves.  New leaves are produced year-round, even in summer/fall.   

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): mature leaves

Mature leaves are somewhat leathery, medium to dark green and folded along the midrib like a taco shell (see above). The leaves are medium to large – four to six inches in length.  The leaf shape is simple and reminiscent of the leaves of the Laurel – hence both the common and scientific names.  Senescent leaves turn yellow (below) adding to the colorful foliage in this species.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): senescent leaves

All parts of Laurel sumac are pleasantly scented. The flowers and sap are aromatic, and the leaves release scented, volatile chemicals into the air.  On a warm or wet day, the characteristic aroma can be smelled at a distance. Even fallen leaves release the aroma when walked upon.  For more on gardening with scent see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/03/gardening-for-health-2-magic-of-scent.html

The scent is a unique blend: bitter and somewhat fruity.  It’s been described as the scent of bitter almonds, unripe apples or citrus.   It’s an aroma unique to the plant, and for many, it’s the ‘scent of the California chaparral’.   As a note of caution, some people have nasal allergies to the plant chemicals and/or pollen.   In addition, the sap can cause contact dermatitis (short-term skin allergy) in sensitive individuals.  Gloves should be worn when pruning or handing the plant.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): flower buds

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): flowering plant

Malosma laurina blooms most often in late spring or early summer.  In the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve (where our gardens are located) it commonly blooms in June or July.  This is quite a showy bloomer.  The flower buds are a pleasant pink that contrasts nicely with the spring leaves.  The flowers themselves are creamy white.  The flowers grow in dense clusters at the ends of the branches (above).  The look reminds one of a lilac bush with white flowers.

 

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): close-up of flowers

 

The flowers themselves are small, simple, with five rounded petals.  The flowers can be either bisexual or unisexual (see photo above); in at least some cases, plants can be functionally either male or female.   The details are currently being studied, so we’ll know more about the reproductive biology of Laurel sumac in the future.  The interested reader is directed to ref. 3 (literature) for more on this fascinating topic.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): ripening fruits

 

The flowers attract European Honey bees, native bees, pollinator flies and likely other pollinators.  The fruits are small and not particularly showy.  They start off green and are white when ripe.  The dried fruits, which are dark brown, remain on the plant into fall and winter. The dried fruits add fall/winter interest (see below).  The fruits and dried seeds are eaten by a number of seed-eating birds, but are particularly loved by song birds.   In fact, this species provides good bird habitat: food, perches, shade and nesting sites.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): dry fruits

 

Malosma laurina takes a year or two to establish, then it grows to size fairly quickly thereafter.  In the wilds, plants can live at least 30-45 years.  The actual age limit is difficult to determine.  Plants burn to the ground in a fire.  But an underground sprouting root (lignotuber) remains alive, allowing plants to re-sprout quickly (often the first green seen after a fire).  So, the age of a mature plant may be older than the age of a single trunk.

Laurel sumac needs full sun and prefers well-drained soils, with a pH 6.0-8.0.  It does well on slopes (as it does in the wilds).   It is intolerant of low temperatures and pH much above 8.0.  The plants are relatively insect-resistant and do best when leaf litter is allowed to accumulate (this is true of many chaparral shrub species).   The plant can be pruned up as a small tree, and yearly fall trimming will keep it from getting rangy.   Old shrubs can even be cut back hard (even coppiced) to rejuvenate them.

Once established, Laurel sumac is quite drought resistant. Plants have roots that grow deep – 40 feet or more in some cases.  Mature plants get by on occasional to no summer water (no more than one deep watering a month).  But they do need adequate winter/spring water, so supplement as needed.  

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): mature plant,
Heritage Creek Preserve, CSU Dominguez Hills, Carson CA

 

Future climate change may prove challenging to this species.  Several of us have noted branch die-back in established plants (see above).  Early research suggests that this is due to fungal disease, and some individuals seem to be more susceptible than others. As with many local plant disease/pest problems, drought stress appears to be a contributing factor to susceptibility.  For more on this topic see ref. 4, below.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): at home on the
 Palos Verdes Penninsula

 

Malosma laurina is a great choice for slopes and for wildland interface areas.  If planted in areas prone to wildfires, it should be planted away from structures, and the lower 1/3 of small branches removed.  Laurel sumac makes a great background plant, with its evergreen leaves and flowers.  It looks particularly good when paired with its natural associates: the plants of the S. California coastal sage scrub.

Like Toyon, Laurel sumac is quite versatile.  It can be pruned up as a small, multi-trunk tree or used as a hedge, screen or hedgerow.  As a hedge, it can be pruned formally or informally.  If space is limited, Laurel sumac can even be espaliered along a wall or free-standing support frame.  We’re in the process of training the plant in our Bie Havn Pollinator Garden as an espalier against the back wall.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): espalier in Mother Nature's
 Bie Havn Pollinator Garden

 

In terms of practical uses, the dried fruits can be ground into flour.  The young branches can be split and used in making twined baskets.   The plant is a minor medicinal plant among the Chumash and Kumeyaay, who use a root bark tea for dysentery and baths for women’s ceremonies.

In summary, Malosma laurina is a key species of our local coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities.  It’s an evergreen shrub with the versatility to function as a tree, hedge or espalier.  It looks right at home with many of the plants used in S. Calilfornia native plant gardens.  And it adds to the ‘fragrance of the wild’ that makes our S. California gardens so captivating.  If you want to bring a bit of native California into your garden, this is a good shrub to consider.

Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina): Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve,
 Gardena CA

 

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/gardening-sheet-malosma-laurina

For more pictures of this plant see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/malosma-laurina-web-show

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

 

________________

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malosma
2. http://theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Malosma_laurina
3. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47815937#page/313/mode/1up
4. http://2016.botanyconference.org/engine/search/index.php?func=detail&aid=261

 

 

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com

 

Plant of the Month (July) : Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): Mother Nature's Backyard garden

Most of our native Salvias are spring bloomers.  Excluding a few blossoms on the Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), most are done for the year – at least in our water-wise gardens.  The exception is our Plant of the Month - the Cleveland sage, Salvia clevelandii.  This species adds a welcome touch of blue-purple among the summer pink buckwheats dominating our summer gardens.  Its scientific name is pronounced SAL-vee-uh  cleve-LAND-ee-eye.

Like all Salvias, Salvia clevelandii belongs to the Mint family, known for square stems and aromatic foliage. In fact, another common name for Salvia clevelandii is ‘Fragrant Sage’. Seventeen Salvia species are native to California. [1]  Many are common, while a few are quite rare.  We grow seven of the common S. California species (Salvia apiana; S. clevelandii; S. dorii; S. leucophylla; S. mellifera; S. munzii; S. spathacea) in Mother Nature’s Backyard and Garden of Health.   They are key species in our gardens, providing color, scent, habitat and a source of cuttings for seasonings and potpourri.

Cleveland sage is named for Daniel Cleveland, an early collector of the species. Cleveland (1838-1929), was an authority on ferns, a lawyer and botanical collector in the San Diego area.  He was one of the founding members of the San Diego Natural History Society and started the herbarium of the San Diego Natural History Museum.  A number of native plants are named in his honor. [2]   Cleveland sage was also collected in the 1800’s by the Parish brothers and Leroy Abrams.  For more stories on early S. California plant collectors see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/05/californias-fascinating-native-plants.html.

Cleveland sage grows in the chaparral and coastal sage scrub, primarily in Riverside and San Diego counties, south into Baja California, Mexico.   It grows on dry slopes and common plant associates include the Canyon silktassel (Garrya veatchii), Coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), California encelia and Chaparral mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus).

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): plant growth form

Salvia clevelandii is a part-woody sub-shrub, growing 2-5+ ft. (0.5-1.5 m.) tall and about as wide.  Its form may be rounded or sprawling; we suspect the form is influenced by the amount of pruning, as well as light. Cleveland sage is the most evergreen of our local Salvias; while most have switched to their small, dry summer leaves, Cleveland sage remains pleasantly evergreen through most of the summer. 

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): foliage

The leaves are small (to about 1.25 inches; 3 cm.), pronouncedly veined and wrinkled. The aroma of the leaves is heavenly; the sweetly fresh scent is prized by many gardeners.  The new stems are often tinged with red or purple.   The entire plant is more delicate appearing than most of our other local Salvias.  The refined appearance is another reason this species is widely used in gardens.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): flowers

Cleveland sage blooms for about a month, in late spring/early summer.  In our gardens it can start as early as April, but more commonly blooms from June into July.  The flowers of this species are a more vivid blue-purple than any of the other Salvias we grow.  They’re an ‘electric blue’ – photographs don’t do the flower color justice!   The tiny, mint-shaped flowers grow in ball-like clusters around the stems.   The individual flowers extend from the darker colored bracts, producing a particularly  attractive appearance.  A mature plant will be covered in floral clusters.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): flowering plant

The flowers attract hummingbirds (they may fight over the flowers), butterflies and other pollinators.   Seed-eating birds like the Goldfinches pluck seeds from the stems in late summer and fall.  And the shrubby habit makes great shelter for ground-dwelling birds and lizards.   So Cleveland sage makes a good all-round habitat shrub.

Cleveland sage prefers a light to medium, well-drained soil with pH from 6.0 to 8.5.  It’s doing fine in clay-loams and clays in Gardena and Carson gardens.  It does best in either full sun or with some afternoon shade (hot, inland gardens – even Phoenix, AZ).   In all gardens, Cleveland sage is fine with a moderate layer of organic mulch.

In much of S. California, Salvia clevelandii looks best with occasional summer water – perhaps several waterings a summer.  It grows in areas prone to summer monsoons – look to the weather reports from the San Diego foothills for a clue for when to water.   In hot desert gardens, and in very sandy soils, deep weekly irrigation will keep it looking good. [3]

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): pruned plant

 

Like most native Salvias, Cleveland sage looks best with regular late fall pruning. Pruning should begin the first fall, even though the plant will be small.  Each branch should be pruned back, leaving 3-4 branching nodes.  Don’t cut back into the older, non-budding wood, which cannot re-sprout.  Fall pruning – similar to browsing of deer in the wilds – promotes a dense, rounded shape.   Deadheading the flowers, if desired, may promote a second round of blooming.

'Winnifred Gilman' sage (Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman')

 

Cleveland sage is widely planted in Southwestern gardens, often alongside other Salvias.  So it’s not surprising that a number of attractive hybrids and other cultivars have resulted.   Some of these appear to be all (or mostly) true Salvia clevelandii types, though they may be found to have other salvia genes. The most common and popular in our area is S. clevelandii  ‘Winnifred Gilman’, a nicely shaped cultivar with loads of intensely blue flowers.  The other ‘true’ Cleveland sage cultivar is S. clevelandii  ‘Betsy Clebsch’ (recommended for desert gardeners).

 

Cleveland sage cultivar (Salvia clevelandii x S. leucophylla)

There are several good hybrid cultivars that share the good features of Salvia clevelandii.   The most common are the Salvia clevelandii x S. leucophylla hybrids, including ‘Allen Chickering’, ‘Ponzo Blue’ and ‘Whirly Blue’.  These cultivars have slightly lighter purple flowers, with more flower clusters per stalk (see above).  Like Purple sage,   they are very drought tolerant and may be longer lived than straight Cleveland Sage.

Salvia ‘Vicki Romo’ is an interesting hybrid between Salvia clevelandii and S. apiana (White sage).   This plant is smaller than White sage, has more gray-green leaves than Cleveland sage, and is also very drought tolerant. ‘Celestial Blue’ (Salvia clevelandii x pachyphylla x ?leucophylla) features the blue-and-magenta flowers of Salvia pachyphylla and gray-green foliage.  Other (likely complex) hybrids include ‘Aromas’ (looks like Purple sage but with strong aroma) and Salvia ‘Carl Nielson’ (possibly Salvia clevelandii × mohavensis), a smaller cultivar that does well with monthly water in desert gardens. [4]

Cleveland sage hybrid cultivar: Garden of Dreams
 Discovery Garden, CSU Dominguez Hills
 

Whether you choose the straight species or a cultivar, Cleveland sage is a delight for the garden designer.  Because the growth habit, foliage and flower color, bloom season, size and fragrance are quite different among the cultivars, we recommend seeing a plant in person before purchasing.

Whichever you choose, Cleveland sage adds a splash of blue-purple to the late spring and early summer garden.  It contrasts beautifully with the creamy pastels of the native buckwheat flowers or the yellows of the summer sunflowers.  It is also dramatic when massed.   In the San Diego area it can be used to naturalize large gardens.   It can be used as a foundation plant, at the back of water-wise flower beds or as an accent plant.   While short-lived in some gardens, Cleveland sage is worth replanting every 5 years or so, if necessary.



Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): contrasts with
 Giant buckwheat (Eriogonum giganteum)

 
An aroma garden would not be complete without Cleveland Sage; it smells like no other sage and is delightful beside a seating area in summer.  The flowers – even the dried stems – make great cut flowers.  The leaves can also be dried for use as a flavoring, incense or potpourri.  The scent lasts for at least 6-8 months after drying.  Place a sachet of dried Cleveland sage in a clothing drawer for a reminder of summer.  Or use the dried leaves to create a refreshing bath or shower.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): young plant,
 Mother Nature's Backyard, Gardena CA

 

In summary, Cleveland sage is beloved by gardeners for its graceful shape, bright flowers and wonderful aroma.  It is a native habitat plant, with many practical uses. So search out Salvia clevelandii (or its cultivars) next time you visit a native plant garden or nursery.  You may be convinced to find a place for it in your own garden.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA

 

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/salvia-clevelandii

For more pictures of this plant see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/salvia-clevelandii-web-show

For information on other native Salvias:

• Salvia munzii: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2015/01/plant-of-month-january-munz-sage-salvia.html
• Salvia spathacea: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2014/03/plant-of-month-march-hummingbird-sage.html

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

_________________

1. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/specieslist.cgi?where-genus=Salvia
2. http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/clevelandsage.html
3. http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/salviaclevelandii.html
4. https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/sheets/Salcarnie.pdf

 

 

 

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com

 

California’s Fascinating Native Plants-persons

Interest in native plants is growing, as gardeners seek new ways to make their gardens more water-wise and life-friendly. Native plants connect us to the land and its people. And our knowledge of regional plants owes a huge debt to the native plants-persons – the early botanists, naturalists, plant collectors and nursery-persons – who first documented and described these plants. 

California is blessed with an abundance of interesting people connected to native plants. From the 1800’s to the present, these native plants-persons have shaped our knowledge, use and conservation of regional plants.  We’ve featured some of the more interesting in our ‘Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden’ lecture series over the years.  Many are little known, even to persons who work with native plants.

We learned many interesting stories in preparing these talks (they will probably be new to you as well).   And while the lives of some plants-persons are well documented, others required a bit of historical sleuthing and conjecture.  But all can serve as an inspiration and challenge to gardeners, landscape designers and life scientists.   What an amazing, curious and hardy group – may we live our lives half as fully as they!

·         Theodore Payne: the legacy of a CA native plantsman - http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/theodore-payne-2013

·         Lester Rowntree: legacy of an unusual California native plantswoman - https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/lester-rowntree-2014

·         Alice Eastwood: an unusual California botanist and her legacy - http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/alice-eastwood-2015

·         Mary Katharine Brandegee: an unique California botanist and her legacy - http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/katherine-brandegee-2016

·         Leroy Abrams and his Los Angeles flora: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/leroy-abrams-2017

·         Beatrice F. Howitt and her life with wildflowers - https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/beatrice-f-howitt-talk  

·         S.B. Parish & W.F. Parish: amateur botanists in S. California - https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/parish-2018

To access slides from all of the 2009-2018 lectures in this series (covering a range of California native plant gardening topics) see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/out-of-wilds-and-into-your-garden-talks.html

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com