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

 

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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 (August) : Island alumroot – Heuchera maxima

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima)

 

Sitting in the shade on a hot summer’s day allows us to really experience our native shade-loving species.  Many are pretty and have unusual foliage, adding to their allure.  One plant that’s been a shade garden staple for many years is the Island alumroot, Heuchera maxima.  The scientific name is most commonly pronounced HER (or HOY)-ker-uh  MAX-im-uh.

The Heucheras are an interesting group of herbaceous perennials in the Saxifrage Family (the Saxifragaceae).  Members of this family generally grow in moist shady places; they are often used similarly in gardens.  Among the California saxifrages are the Boykinias, Heucheras, Jepsonias, Lithophragmas, Micranthas, Suksdorfias, Tellimas and Tolmieas. Of these, the genus with the most species is Heuchera.

The Saxifrages share a number of common features.  Most have rounded or heart-shaped leaves that grow in a mound at the base of the plant (a basal rosette). Most are perennials, dying back to a stout root in winter.  The flowers grow in stalks above the leaves.  Some have medicinal properties, and have been so used.  And most grow in forests or riparian areas, often in shade.

Thirteen species of Heuchera are native to California.  They belong to three groups: those that are primarily coastal, those from far northern California, and those from the mountains (including the Transverse and Laguna Ranges of S. California).  Many Heuchera species have very limited ranges, and several are listed as endangered.   We featured the Seaside alumroot in May: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/05/plant-of-month-may-seaside-alumroot.html

Heuchera maxima is one of the coastal species.  It’s native to the Northern Channel Islands, off the coast of Santa Barbara. In the wilds, it grows in moist, shady, north-facing sites, often in canyons or on ocean cliffs.  Island alumroot is a member of the chaparral plant community; it always grows at elevations less than 1500 ft. (500 m.) in nature. Fortunately, it’s available to California gardeners and widely used in gardens in warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-10).



Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): foliage

 

All the Heucheras have pretty, rounded leaves and Heuchera maxima is no exception. Its leaves are slightly succulent, lobed, with scalloped edges.  The leaf color is green, but may be mottled or two-tone.  The entire plant is slightly hairy.   Leaves have long petioles and are tightly clumped in a basal rosette.  With a little water, the entire plant appears neat and tidy much of the year.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): plant

 

Heuchera maxima begins to bloom in spring and can bloom off-and-on through summer with a little water. The blooms of Island alumroot are small, bell-shaped flowers on slender, upright flowering stems.  The flowers of this species are white to pale pink and are clustered at the tips of side branches on the stem.  The flowers are less densely packed than those of the Seaside alumroot.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): close-up of flowers

 

Several well-known, named Heuchera hybrids share the foliage characteristics of Heuchera maxima and the brighter flowers of the Arizona native Heuchera sanguinea. Hybrids between H. maxima and H. sanguinea range in color from white/pale pink to bright pink or magenta, and are very showy.  Hybrid cultivars include 'Genevieve' (rose-magenta), 'Opal' (white), 'Santa Ana Cardinal' (large red), 'Susanna' (red), and 'Wendy' (pink), all developed at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA.  We feature ‘Wendy’ in Mother Nature’s Garden of Health.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): hybrid cultivar 'Wendy'

 

The Heucheras are loved for their ability to tolerate (even need) a shady location.  In nature, this species grows primarily in moist, shady canyons. In the garden it does best with afternoon shade, under trees or on the north side of walls or buildings.  We’ve grown it in clay soils; it can succeed in all but the poorest-draining soils.  It looks good with a yearly application of a light (1/2 strength) fertilizer, particularly in sandy soils.

In dry climates like S. California, Heuchera maxima needs regular irrigation for the first year, until the plant is established.  Then water two to four times a month for best appearance. Plants are actually quite drought tolerant (much more so than the eastern Heucheras) – but they need a little water to look good. We water our alumroots every two weeks from June to August in our clay-loam soils.  Then we taper off water in September.   To conserve water, we recommend using a 1-inch thick organic mulch around Heucheras.  Keep the area under the plants mulch-free to discourage fungal infections of the stems and leaves.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): seed capsules

Heucheras don’t need much in the way of maintenance.  Cut off spent flower stalks for tidiness and to promote a longer bloom season.  Remove old, dead leaves in the fall. If you’ve planted several plants, you may be able to collect seeds from the dry capsules and start some new plants.  And divide plants as needed, usually every 4-5 years. When plants become crowded and blooming decreases, then it’s time to divide.  Division is best done in early spring.

So, why plant Heuchera maxima and its cultivars?   First, these are charming, old-fashioned perennials, with a long history of use in gardens.  Most people have no idea they are California native plants; they look that ‘garden-like’.   Their tidy appearance and low maintenance make them a good choice for many gardens – including front yards.  They look equally appropriate in both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): Ranch Santa Ana
 Botanic Garden, Claremont CA

Heucheras are the perfect solution for shady parts of the garden. They provide a natural, woodsy element favored by many gardeners.  They can be used as a ground cover (above) or to border shady pathways or flower beds.  With limited water, they can even be used under native oaks.  

Heuchera’s small size makes them a good choice for narrow planting areas.  Heucheras can even be grown in deep containers (they have a tap root) on a shady patio. They are favorites of hummingbirds.  Plant some near a garden bench; you’ll be rewarded by steady visits from these jewels of the air.   The flower stalks also make a pretty addition to floral arrangements.   

 

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): good hummingbird plants

 

Finally, Heucheras are known for their medicinal properties.  The leaves and stems – but particularly the roots – produce chemicals that are strongly astringent and possibly anti-microbial.  In traditional medicine, a poultice or extract of the roots was applied to skin wounds and sores to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling.  An extract of the root was used as a gargle for mouth sores and sore throats.   Note: this plant has strong medicinal properties and should not be taken internally.  

In summary, Heuchera maxima is treasured by western gardeners for its attractive foliage, pretty flowers and shade-loving nature.  It’s hard to find an easier-to-grow plant that looks as good as the Island alumroot and its cultivars.  And if you’re creating a Channel Island themed garden, you’ll want to include this species in your collection.  We hope you’ll consider adding this versatile plant to your own garden this winter. 

Heuchera 'Wendy' : Mother Nature's Garden of Health

 

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/heuchera-maxima

For more pictures of this plant see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/heuchera-maxima-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

Plant of the Month (May) : Seaside Alumroot – Heuchera pilosissima

Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): Mother Nature's Backyard

Garden shade can be both a joy and a challenge.  Fortunately, Californians are blessed with plenty of charming native perennials that are shade-lovers.  Among the shady favorites are the Heucheras (Alumroots or Coral bells).  A good example, the Seaside alumroot, is blooming right now in Mother Nature’s Backyard.

The genus name, given by none other than Linnaeus, honors Johann Heinrich von Heucher, professor of Medicine and Botany at Wittenberg University.[1]  The scientific name is pronounced several ways: HOY-ker-uh, HEW-ker-uh, or HER-ker-uh. The first pronunciation is probably closest to the original, but all are acceptable. The species name is pie-low-SISS-ih-muh.

The Heucheras are delicate-appearing perennials that are hardier than they appear.  All species in the genus are native to N. America, with thirteen native to California.[2]  Some California Heucheras grow along the coast, while others are endemic to the mountains – often with limited geographic ranges. Only three are native to Los Angeles County: Heuchera abramsii, H. caespitosa and H. rubescens (all mountain species). Fortunately, species from other California regions adapt well to local gardens.  Heuchera pilosissima is native to the coastal forests of Central and Northern California (below 1000 ft. elevation).    

Gardeners around the world are familiar with Heucheras.  They’ve been grown in gardens for many years, and numerous named cultivars are readily available.  Many  cultivars derived from Heuchera americana (native to Central and Eastern N. America) have brightly colored leaves, making them prized accent plants in shade gardens.

 

Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): foliage

 

The California natives all have green leaves, though some of the mountain species are very petite in size.  Our natives have flower colors which range from white or cream to medium pink.  The darker pink and red flowers are found on species from the American Southwest and Baja California.  The Southwestern species are sometimes crossed with California natives to produce showy hybrid cultivars.

 

Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): plant

Seaside alumroot is medium-size for California species, growing 1-2 ft. (to 0.6 m.) tall and wide.  Plants form an evergreen mound about 1 ft. tall & wide – typical of the Heucheras.  The leaves have a long petiole and are somewhat succulent.  Their shape is rounded and looks a bit like a grape leaf.  The leaf color is bright to medium green; on our plants, the color is slightly mottled.  This species is hairier than some native Heucheras, with the entire plant covered in shaggy white hairs.   In fact, the name pilosissima means ‘hairiest’.



Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): flower stalk

 

Like all Heucheras, Seaside alumroot produces small, bell-shaped flowers along vertical flowering stalks.  The entire flowering stalk and flowers are covered with glandular hairs and the flowers are densely clustered about the stalk (more so than in many species).  The many flowers, and their unusual pastel colors, make this a prize Huechera in our estimation. 

The flowers are small (0.25 inch or less) and pink or white colored (ours have a mostly pink floral cup (hypanthium) with white tips to the petals - see photo below).  The sexual parts are exserted (protrude out from the neck of the floral cup).  Heucheras are primarily pollinated by bees.  In our garden, they are visited regularly by hummingbirds, which may also serve as pollinators. 

Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): close-up of flowers

 

In general, Heucheras are not self-fertile, so you’ll need several plants if you want seeds.  We raised our Seaside alumroot from seed.  It wasn’t difficult, the only challenge being to keep seedlings moist in our dry climate.  We hope our plants will self-seed and fill in shady areas in our garden.  Heucheras also reproduce vegetatively, producing offsets (new little plants).   If plants become too large for their space (or about every three years) they can be divided.  For details on dividing Heucheras see ref. 3, below.

In S. California, the Alumroots do best in shade – afternoon shade to bright shade under trees for best foliage and flowers.  Seaside alumroot does great on the north side of a wall or building.  It tolerates sandy soils and likes a well-drained soil.  That being said, this species is doing well in our clay loam.  The quoted pH is slightly acidic (pH 5.0-7.0), although ours is a bit more alkali. 

Hailing from the northern coast, Heuchera pilosissima is adapted to more yearly precipitation than it gets in S. California.  We water our plants on the same schedule as our apple tree – a good soak every 2-3 weeks from May through mid-September.  It could probably take weekly water in sandy soils.  The only precaution is to not overwater in hot, humid conditions (which promote soil fungi and root rot).  Southern California gardens are generally so dry and breezy that this is seldom a problem here.

Heucheras are mostly disease-free and easy to manage.  Remove old leaves as needed.  Cut back flowering stalks after collecting seeds.  And divide older plants as needed.  Plants grown in containers need a dose or two of half-strength fertilizer in late-winter or early spring (when plants begin to grow).   That’s really about all.

Seaside alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima): in shady spot
 in garden with Carex pansa, Ribes viburnifolium.

 

We love the look of Heucheras as a ground cover in shady places.  Their small size and neat appearance make them good candidates for lining shady walkways – or growing in containers.  We like to plant them near seating (we love to have hummingbirds come within arms-length).  And Seaside alumroot gives a woodsy look to any shady garden spot.

If you can’t find this species (plant or seed), consider the hybrid cultivar ‘Lillian’s Pink’ (a garden hybrid between Heuchera pilosissima and H. sanguinea).   It’s readily available and has the nice foliage characteristics of Seaside alumroot with the darker pink flowers of the Coralbells (H. sanguinea).   Any way you choose – straight species or cultivar – California’s Heucheras are guaranteed to please!

'Lillian's Pink' alumroot (Heuchera pilosissima X H. sanguinea): Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA.

 

For a gardening information sheet see: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/gardening-sheet-heuchera-pilosissima

For more pictures of this plant see: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/heuchera-pilosissima-web-show

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

 

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1.       https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=837

 

2.       http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/specieslist.cgi?where-genus=heuchera

3.       https://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/Native-Spotlight-The-Delicate-Yet-Rugged-3239236.php

 

 

 

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