Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) is a large, rounded evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to 20 feet tall and as wide. In bloom, it is intensely aromatic. The lance-shaped leaves have reddish veins and stems. Plumes of small white flowers bloom at the tips of twigs in late spring and early summer. They resemble lilac blossoms. After flowering the tree bears whitish single-seeded fruit. This shrub is named “laurel” because the foliage is reminiscent of bay laurel but it is not in that plant family. It is a key plant in coastal sage scrub and chaparral, and the berries are appreciated by songbirds, especially warblers.
Laurel sumac grows in full sun and is very drought adapted once established, but is not cold tolerant and is not found in areas where freezing temperatures are normal. It is adaptable to many types of soil but prefers well drained soil, either sandy or rocky.