ORANGE COUNTY ZOO
Photo courtesy of
Irvine Park Railroad
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The Orange County Zoo is
owned and operated by the
County
of Orange, California.
Web page produced by the
Orange County Zoological Society,
Copyright 2005.
Laurel Sumac
Rhus larina
Nicknamed the "taco Plant" because of its upward folding leaves. This aromatic evergreen small tree can reach 7-16 feet. The bark and twigs are reddish brown and smooth. Tiny white flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. It can be found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats throughout southern California, Catalina and San Clemente Islands, and Baja California.
Native American Usage
The berries of this plant were as a remedy for colds. The roots were used for coughs. The plants was also used for cuts, blisters, and fever.
