CA Bay Laurel

California-bay laurel (Umbellularia californica)

Common names: Pacific-myrtle, Oregon-myrtle, California bay, pepperwood, spice-tree

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water: Drought tolerant to moderate

Size: 25 feet x 25 feet

Plant Type: Evergreen tree or shub

Pests: Few pest or disease problems

Flower: Yellow, Cream, White, Green

Garden: California Bay works well as a screen, background planting or clipped hedge. It can also grow into a lovely tree.

Elevation: California-laurel grows at elevations from sea level to 4000 ft.

Note: For some people, the oils from the leaves of this tree can be toxic.

Ecological Role

"California-laurel can be a climax species, as it is long-lived and reproduces in the understory. A component of California-laurel is typically maintained by resprouting after fires in subclimax forests, which are most common outside of riparian areas. The leaf litter from California-laurel may have toxic effects on other vegetation; these toxic effects are a suspected cause for the typically sparse cover under California-laurel trees." - Oregon State University

Fun Fact

"Leaves of the California bay laurel have been used by people to get rid of head lice and to discourage fleas. Scientists now think that dusky-footed woodrats use the aromatic leaves to keep fleas out of their nests. For some people, the oils from the leaves of this tree can be toxic." - National Wildlife Federation

Paleotechnics Article: California Laurel