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

 

Gardening for Health: 2. The Magic of Scent

California wild rose (Rosa californica) has lovely scented flowers

There’s something magical about a scented plant.  The heady fragrance of a wild rose, the musky-sweet scent of four-o-clocks at dusk; or the spicy aroma of a native sage on a warm summer day.  The list goes on and on.  Californians are  blessed with many native scented plants; these make our gardens both unique and interesting.  But the scented plants may also be good for our health!

Plants produce fragrant chemicals for a variety of reasons (most having little to do with human beings).  The sweet fragrances of flowers are released to attract  pollinators.  Some are quite specific – like a perfume designed to attract the right admirer.  Others attract all capable of detecting their sweet scent (native bees, butterflies, moths - even humans).

Likewise, the sweet aromas of ripe fruit attract creatures that can disperse a plant’s seeds.   Unripe fruits are usually unscented – or have a repellant odor.   But ripe fruits can be irresistible, due in part to their attractive fragrance.  Plants have methods of seducing animals to do their bidding, and fragrance is a key weapon in their arsenal.

The scent of native Salvias is related to protection.

The pungent and minty scents produced by some plant’s foliage have a different function: protection.  Dry mediterranean climates support a number of plants with fragrant foliage.  These include some of our favorite cooking and potpourri herbs: rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, sagebrush and the mints.  To the human nose, these scents are interesting, exciting and attractive.   That’s why we use them extensively in foods, perfumes and other products.

But many of the fragrant herbs have a repellant odor to herbivores.  From larger herbivores like deer and rabbits to the herbivorous insects, the pungent scents provide a cue that this plant is ‘not fit to eat’.  In some cases, the plant just tastes bad; in others, the plants are actually toxic to the herbivores.   It’s not surprising that scented foliage releases its flavors when crushed.  That’s another example of plant thrift – using expensive chemical resources only when needed. 

 

Wooly bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum) has a complex
 aroma that's hard to describe

But what actually produces the scents? Whether released automatically or when crushed, plant scents are due to small, aroma chemicals (odorants) that interact with the sense organs of an animal.   Because they are carried by the air, most aroma chemicals are relatively small.   And the plant-produced odorants have a limited number of basic structures (most are esters, turpenes, aromatics and amines).   But the variants of these basic structures – and their combinations in individual plant species – can produce aromas as varied as the sweet scent of a rose or the putrid odor of the Voodoo lily (smells like rotting meat – attractive only to fly pollinators).

Aroma chemicals interact directly with an animal’s olfactory receptors. In vertebrates, these receptors are located in the nasal passages (the human nose and throat); in insects, the receptors may be located in antennae or other sense organs. But in all cases, odorants bind to and activate the olfactory receptors, resulting in a signal being sent to the brain via olfactory neurons (see below; ref 1).

 

 

And here’s where things get interesting.  In humans, the olfactory neurons (nerve cells) converge at the olfactory bulb, an area of the brain rich in interconnecting neurons.  Signals from the olfactory bulb are sent to at least five different areas of the brain.   Some of these areas are responsible for decoding the scent: does it smell like any other scent?  Is it a known scent?      But there are also close, direct connections between the olfactory bulb and brain structures important for memories and emotions: what is often called the limbic system.

The limbic system is a series of evolutionarily old structures located deep within the human brain. The limbic system supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory and olfaction. [2] It is connected to the more modern, cerebral areas of the brain via the hippocampus. There’s still much to learn about how the limbic system works – or even if the concept of a limbic system is obsolete. But the ‘limbic system’ is involved in some of the more interesting aspects of human interactions with aroma chemicals: scent memories and the associations of particular scents with moods and emotions.

Dr Bryan Raudenbush, Professor of Psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University, notes: ‘Of our five senses, scent is the only one with a direct pathway to three important areas of the brain: the orbito-frontal cortex, which presents you with an awareness of scent, the hippocampus, which is associated with memory, and the amygdala, which is associated with mood and emotions.’ [3]

Common wisdom has long associated certain scents with human emotions or physiologic reactions.  For example, the scent of lavender has long been used for relaxation and inducing sleep.   In aromatherapy, the scent of citrus is thought to be a ‘mood brightener’, along with that of rose, heliotrope and peppermint.   But is there any scientific evidence for the efficacy of these scents to alter moods?

Alas, olfaction is the least-researched of the senses.  But there’s good reason to think that scents do affect our moods and physiology.  The ‘limbic system’ can directly activate the hypothalamus, an important hormonal control center in the brain.   The hypothalamus is responsible for the production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin. These hormones affect energy levels and many other physiologic responses.  So it’s reasonable to hypothesize a physiologic role for hormones in the human response to scents.  And scientific studies are beginning to provide the evidence. [4]

 

Each Salvia has a slightly different scent

But there’s even more theoretical reason to suspect a direct role for scent and mood. When we smell something nice, receptors in the amygdala release  dopamine and serotonin. [3, 4]  These are powerful neurotransmitters; the former is linked with the high you feel when taking drugs such as cocoaine, the latter with mood. ‘In a nutshell,’ says Dr Raudenbush, ‘You smell something ‘good’, and those scent chemicals stimulate the amygdala, which in turn prompts the release of dopamine and serotonin, and we feel ‘good’.’ [3]

So scents may directly modulate our moods, via the effects of neurotransmitter and/or hormone levels.  But the picture is further complicated by the close relationship between the olfactory neurons and the hippocampus, which is associated with memory.  This part of the brain helps us ‘remember’ a scent – and its likely consequences (for example: ‘this is the scent of White sage’; or ‘smoke = fire’).   

The ability to identify scents correctly was key to survival in our evolutionary past.  It helped us find food and avoid harm.  Pleasant plant scents may also have played a role in the human-plant interactions leading ultimately to agriculture.  It should come as no surprise that a good sense of smell developed early in our ancestral past.   And that scent memories are different from other types of memories.

Scent memories are among the most vivid, and are often associated with a person or place.  We’ve all smelled a particular brand of perfume and been instantly reminded of a person who used to wear it.  Or smelled a scent and been transported back to the chaparral or woods where we played as children.  Such scent memories are often vivid, specific and long-lasting (even into advanced old age).    And the most vivid scent memories seem to be those associated either with novel scents or with intensely positive or negative feelings coupled with a particular scent.  There’s a reason why the scent of pancakes brings us back to our grandmother’s kitchen!

So, the effect of specific scents on our moods may in part be due to their associations with ‘vivid’ people and events – good and bad – in the past.  And it’s very difficult to tease out the direct effects of scents on human physiology from the indirect effects on moods and emotions tied to scent memories.  In fact, this is an area of active research and current debate. [see ref. 5 & 6, below, for more]

But it really doesn’t matter how scents affect our moods.   In fact, one way or another, they do. The makers of perfumes and the aromatherapy industry have known this all along.  There’s a reason that scented plants have been used to enhance bodies and abodes, in most cultures, for as far back as we know.   Plant fragrances can be used to disguise body odors and other unpleasant smells.  But fragrance also plays a role in human moods, emotions and even social interactions.  The fact that science is beginning to back up these claims is just icing on the cake.

 

 

So how do we apply all this to our gardens?   First, we should remember that the most interest gardens are those that engage all of our five senses.  Most of us think a lot about color and form – the visual elements - when designing our gardens.   And gardens that sooth and heal should be pleasant to the eye.  But the sense of smell is at least as important.   So we should think about scent when choosing plants for our gardens.

Each person experiences a given scent uniquely.  This is due both to physiologic differences and differences in scent memories.  When choosing scent plants, choose ones that make you feel good.  Visit a native plant nursery and ‘try out’ the different fragrances of the native sages (Salvias).  Each cultivar and species is a bit different, so be sure to plant one you like.  Visit Mother Nature’s Backyard.  We have a number of scented plants, and encourage you to experience them fully.  For a list of fragrant native flowers see: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/california-plants-with-fragrant-flowers.   For a list of scented native foliage plants: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/califoria-plants-with-fragrant-foliage.

 

Mother Nature's Backyard & Garden of Health: a great
 place to 'try out' plant scents

 

Place scented plants where you can best enjoy them: near a window, along a path or near an outdoor seating area.   Grow scented herbs in your kitchen garden, in pots on your porch or near the back door.

 

Fragrant pitchersage (Lepechinia fragrans) has fragrant foliage

 

Take time to really enjoy the fragrances in your garden.  Remember to ‘stop and smell the roses’.    Leave your electronic devices inside, close your eyes, and truly experience the fragrance of a rose.  Crush the leaves of a mint, inhale its aroma and be aware of its effect on your breathing, heart rate and mood.   Do you feel relaxed?  Invigorated?  Does your mind feel clearer?

Share your scent garden with others.  Invite your friends to enjoy your garden.  The scents will enhance your interactions like nothing else.   Dry your scented flowers and foliage for use in cooking and potpourri. Be sure to share some of your scented wealth.  For more ideas see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2016/04/california-gourmet-making-flavored.html and http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2013/11/garden-crafts-making-potpourri-from.html.

 

These are challenging times!  It’s no wonder we’re feeling a little stressed!   In fact, we’re in serious need of stress relievers – and the scents of our gardens can play an important role.   So resolve to add some scented plants to your garden this year. You’ll be amazed at the results!

For more posts in this series see : http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/01/gardening-for-health-1-go-hug-tree-for.html

For several talks on the use of native scented plants, see:

• http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/extraordinary-scents-2012
• https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/scent-gardens-2018 

________________________

1.       https://blog.cognifit.com/the-sense-of-smell/

2.       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbic_system  

3.       https://www.healthista.com/6-scents-will-transform-mood/

4.       https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ics.12096  

5.       https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-scents-affect-peoples/

6.       http://www.sirc.org/publik/smell_human.html

 

 

 

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

 

 

Plant of the Month (January) : Catalina perfume / Evergreen currant – Ribes viburnifolium

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium): Mother Nature's Backyard

January is the dead of winter. While most S. California gardens aren’t covered in snow, this is still the coldest and wettest time of the year.  So we treasure any plant that dares bloom in January.  One of our early bloomers, Ribes viburnifolium (pronounced RIE-bees (or REE-bees) vi-bur-ni-FO-lee-um), is flowering right now in Mother Nature’s Backyard.  We urge you to come and see it!

Ribes viburnifolium is also known commonly as the Evergreen currant, Island currant, Catalina currant, Island gooseberry and Santa catalina island currant.    It’s a surprising member of the Gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae), which contains many of our common edible berry bushes.  Catalina perfume looks and behaves differently from other native currants/gooseberries; but it’s a wonderful plant in its own right.

Catalina perfume is endemic to only two places: Santa Catalina Island (one of the S. California Channel Islands) and near the border of San Diego County and Baja California, Mexico.  Island species – and those separated from main populations in other ways – often differ from their nearest relatives.  Isolation can be a powerful force in the development of new species.   So we shouldn’t be surprised that Ribes viburnifolium differs from other local Ribes.   The cultivar Ribes viburnifolium  ‘Spooner’s Mesa’, which has slightly larger leaves, is derived from the San Diego population.

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA

 

In the wilds, Catalina perfume is a fairly uncommon plant, growing in shady canyons and slopes, often quite near the ocean. Ribes viburnifolium is a member of the chaparral community.  It rarely occurs above about 1000 ft. (300 m.) elevation,    making it suitable for lowland Los Angeles County gardens.  In nature, it often grows in the shade of Lemonadeberry, Sugar bush and other shrubs.  This hints at its most effective uses in the garden.

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 young plant

 

Evergreen currant is an evergreen sub-shrub (part-woody) that grows 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and up to 8 or 12 feet (2 ½ to 3 ½ m.) wide.  In sunnier locations it may be slightly taller and more upright; in shady locations it’s more of a woody groundcover.  The slender stems are arching or sprawling; where they touch bare ground they may root.  These characteristics make Ribes viburnifolium a popular native shady groundcover.  But the plant is versatile and can also be pruned as an upright shrub if that’s desired.

 

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium): leaves

 

The leaves of Catalina perfume are simple, rounded, medium green and one to one and a half inches (2-4 cm) in diameter.  In sunnier locations, leaves often have a thick waxy coating, giving the upper surface a shiny appearance.  In shady spots, the leaf surface will often appear less shiny. 

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 leaf glands

 

The leaves are covered with small, bumpy yellow glands. These glands (glandular trichomes) secrete the aromatic resins for which the plant is named.  After a rain – or when the leaves are rubbed – they release a fragrance that is pleasant, but difficult to describe.  It has hints of pine, some apple or grape, and perhaps a touch of vinegar.  Anyway, impossible to describe, but a wonderfully refreshing scent.

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 foliage

 

The young bark of Ribes viburnifolium is red to red-brown and contrasts beautifully with the green foliage.  The foliage attributes – and the ability to tolerate shade – have made this plant a popular ground cover for shady slopes and under trees.  It is widely available throughout S. California, from nurseries offering native plants.



Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 flowers

 

Catalina perfume’s flowers are pleasing in a sweet, old-fashioned way.  Unfortunately, they are so small (less than ½ inch) that you may miss them amongst the foliage.  But hummingbirds will let you know that something good is blooming!   Ribes viburnifolium is a winter or early spring bloomer.  It may bloom as early as January/February or as late as April in western Los Angeles County.  The flowers are evenly spaced on short (1-3 inch) flowering stalks (see above). 

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 close-up of flowers

 

The flowers are worth a closer look.  Their overall color is reddish-brown or reddish purple.  The color is mostly provided by the prominent sepals, which are much larger and showier than the petals (see above).  The anthers (male sex organs) and pollen are white and showy – extending out beyond the sepals.  This is a hummingbird flower: red color, sweet scent and distinctive floral architecture.  But the flowers also attract bees and butterflies.  In fact, this plant can be an important food source for all these pollinators in winter.

Like other Ribes species, Ribes viburnifolium produces edible fruits.  They are small, red, currant-type fruits – quite pretty, though uncommon on our bushes.  We’ll try to get some pictures this year.  The fruits are not the tastiest of our native Ribes, and most gardeners just leave them for the birds.

 

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 under Live oak, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA

 

Catalina perfume is not picky about soil texture; we’ve had good success in very sandy and clay soils.  If your pH is above 8.0 (alkali soil) you may want to consider another species, but this plant is pretty adaptable otherwise.  It does need some shade and probably looks best in bright shade under trees.  At any rate, be sure it gets at least afternoon shade in S. California; it will grow fine in quite shady locations, though flowering will likely be less.

Catalina perfume does not tolerate extreme heat, so it’s a better choice for western S. California than for hot, inland areas.   Once established, Ribes viburnifolium is fairly drought tolerant; you can even grow it under summer-dry native oaks (see above).  It looks best with moderate to occasional water – 1 to 2 times a month in most S. California summer gardens.  It is fine in areas that get a little overspray from lawns or other regularly watered areas.  And it won’t need any added fertilizer unless you grow it in a container (if so, give a single dose of half-strength fertilizer in early spring).

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium)

 

So why consider Ribes viburnifolium for your own garden?  If you have a shady slope – or need a groundcover for a shady spot under trees or in the side yard – Catalina perfume is an easy care, native alternative to invasive ivy, star jasmine or non-native honeysuckles. It’s a great plant for erosion control.  Just water occasionally, trim back as needed, and that’s about it.  This plant is more than acceptable for front yards; your most persnickety neighbors won’t even guess it’s a native!

If you need a small shrub for a shady spot, start shaping Ribes viburnifolium the first year.  It can be kept to a quite serviceable size with routine pruning.  We haven’t yet grown it in a container, but are considering trying it on a shady porch. We love the idea of being able to reach over and rub the scented leaves.  We’ll update with pictures in a year or so.

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 shady garden

 

And if you worry about having winter flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators, this is a superior choice to many of the non-native groundcovers.  You’ll also be helping to maintain a plant that’s rare – even threatened – in the wild.   And that may be reason enough to plant this wonderful island native!

Catalina Perfume (Evergreen currant; Ribes viburnifolium):
 Mother Nature's Backyard, Gardena CA

 

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/gardening-sheet-ribes-viburnifolium

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

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

 

 

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