About This Product
Botanical Name: Umbellularia californica
Common Name: California Laurel, California Bay, Oregon Myrtle, Pepperwood
An evergreen tree with a multi-trunking habit and a rounded crown. Densely arranged foliage is dark green above and pale green below. Aromatic leaves are lance-shaped with netted veins and smooth margins. Bay leaves can be used as a seasoning in foods, though the flavor is much stronger and may not come across as favorably as the European Sweet Bay, Laurus nobilis. Use just a pinch in recipes to avoid an overpowering flavor. On female trees, small yellow flowers in spring are followed by green-purple fruits that resemble gumball-sized avocados. Native to California and Oregon.
USDA Zone: Zones 7 - 10
Sunset Zone: Zones 4 - 9, 14 - 24
Mature Height: 25 - 50 feet
Mature Width: 25 - 50 feet
Light Needs: Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs: Low, Moderate, Regular