Education time! Laurel Sumac Rhus laurina
Foxhound and I used to lead the Nature Hikes on this “trail”. When the widening of the Toll Road began, we changed to the paved road behind the Ranger Station that goes UP to the water tanks, and past another cache or two.
We use to stop at this plant and the one that on the other side of the road. THAT one is in “Full Sun” while this one is in the “Shade” of an Oak Tree. Together they perfectly demonstrate some of the features of this native plant. Sometimes called the “Taco Plant” - look at the leaves – They often (ESPECIALLY when in “Full Sun”) appear to be folded in half like a TACO SHELL.
Cache started with Log, TB11A2M "Panthera uncia", FTF $5 Target Card, Temperature Sensitive Silly Putty and assorted Flat Marbles.
OPTIONAL METHOD TO SEARCH (as a LETTERBOX) Now, for the real clues! Once you have entered the park, turn Right and follow that road past the first (main) paved parking lot (walk or drive). Be careful at the Speed Bumps if you are driving. Continue to the Fork-In-The-Road... Keep Right. You will pass some gravel parking areas (if you have been driving, park here) Continue to follow the road to the usually closed WHITE metal gate. *** the gate seemed to have been removed recently*** There is a dirt road that leads to the Arroyo. On the dirt road, you will find the Girl Scout Gold Award (it is also a Waymark at www.waymarking.com) “Interpretive Signs @ O'Neill Reg Park, Trabuco Canyon, CA” by Brittany Boud. CHECK IT OUT! Continue thru the Trail Entry “gate” and follow the dirt road, (Watch for Poison Oak it is located in various spots along the trail!) There is a dip in the trail after the bridge – looking to the left you will see an old watering trough, Continue past it on the dirt road. From the bridge you will travel another 0.15 miles OR 260 yards OR about 781 feet or so. Here you will see TWO Laurel Sumac Rhus laurina plants. One is in FULL Sun – One is in the partial SHADE of a large Oak Tree. Together they perfectly demonstrate some of the features of this native plant. Sometimes called the “Taco Plant” - look at the leaves – They often (ESPECIALLY when in “Full Sun”) appear to be folded in half like a TACO SHELL. Getting more technical: Laurel sumac is commonly found on dry ridges and canyons below 3000' in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The leaves are (shiny green with reddish veins above, pale green and whitish beneath) simple, alternate, lance-oblong, entire-margined, rounded at base, somewhat leathery and folded along the midrib, and terminating in small sharp point at tip. Bark: brown or reddish, smooth. Twigs: reddish, turning brown; slender, hairless. Laurel Sumac is VERY susceptible to frost, it is often planted by citrus growers as a frost indicator. It is THIS characteristic that earned the plant another nickname: “The Poorman’s Thermometer”. BACK TO THE GAME! Under the plant in the shade, you will find a rock pile that is hiding the container.
Getting more technical: Laurel sumac is commonly found on dry ridges and canyons below 3000' in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The leaves are (shiny green with reddish veins above, pale green and whitish beneath) simple, alternate, lance-oblong, entire-margined, rounded at base, somewhat leathery and folded along the midrib, and terminating in small sharp point at tip. Bark: brown or reddish, smooth. Twigs: reddish, turning brown; slender, hairless.
Laurel Sumac is VERY susceptible to frost, it is often planted by citrus growers as a frost indicator. It is THIS characteristic that earned the plant another nickname: “The Poorman’s Thermometer”.