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laurel sumac

Malosma laurina

Laurel sumac is a lovely shrub that grows in warm, sunny places. It has shiny green leaves and can produce small, sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The laurel sumac has glossy, dark green, leathery leaves that often appear twisted, growing on distinctive reddish branches. Its small, creamy-white flowers grow in dense, upright clusters, standing out against its deep green foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusMalosma
laurel sumac
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badge
laurel sumac

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its leaves smell spicy and peppery when crushed, like a secret seasoning!

Native peoples once used its berries to brew a refreshing, tart lemonade-like drink!

Some of its seeds need the heat of a fire to finally wake up and grow!

You can tell it's a laurel sumac by its distinctive reddish-purple new branches!

Special abilities

Ability

Fire Resilience

laurel sumac can quickly resprout from its woody base after a wildfire, allowing it to recover fast.

Ability

Drought Buster

laurel sumac has deep taproots and leathery leaves that help it survive long periods without water.

Ability

Scent Shield

laurel sumac's aromatic oils in its leaves may deter some hungry herbivores from munching.

Measurements & details

Height
300-500 cm
Spread
300-500 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless an adult says it's okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is laurel sumac?

300-500 cm

How wide does laurel sumac spread?

300-500 cm

How big are the flowers on laurel sumac?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does laurel sumac bloom?

Late spring to summer

Is laurel sumac edible?

Yes

Is laurel sumac toxic?

None

What is laurel sumac's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is laurel sumac pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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