Species of the Week

Bushrue (Cneoridium dumosum)🌸🍂

Bushrue is an aromatic, sprawling shrub native to the coastal bluffs of Southern California and Baja California. During the dry summer months, its green leaves turn a brilliant orange, often painting entire hillsides in warm tones. After the first rains, the leaves return to green and the plant produces small clusters of white flowers. Bushrue is considered the only native citrus relative in Southern California. Like many native plants, it was traditionally used by the Kumeyaay people, who boiled the leaves to create a mouthwash and toothache remedy. However, caution is advised, as contact with the plant can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some people.