Laurel Sumac Plant Care

Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Malosma genus. Laurel Sumac is native to the Pacific coast regions of southern California and Baja California, as well as the southeastern California Channel Islands, and some of the Pacific islands of Baja California. Laurel Sumac is also known as California Sumac.

Laurel Sumac displays a dense, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Laurel Sumac produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Laurel Sumac every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Laurel Sumac thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Malosma laurina tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Laurel Sumac prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Laurel Sumac to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Laurel Sumac every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Laurel Sumac is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Laurel Sumac can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Laurel Sumac while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Laurel Sumac is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Laurel Sumac can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Laurel Sumac is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Laurel Sumac grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Laurel Sumac is native to the Pacific coast regions of southern California and Baja California, as well as the southeastern California Channel Islands, and some of the Pacific islands of Baja California. In cooler regions, grow Laurel Sumac as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.