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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
A dioecious evergreen tree or large shrub reaching 10-30 feet (3-9 m) tall and 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) wide in favorable conditions, though growth is slow at 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) per year. In zones 8-10, plants may eventually reach 40-60 feet (12-18 m) in their native range. Leaves are alternate, elliptical to oblong, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) wide, leathery, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, with slightly wavy margins. Foliage releases a characteristic sweet, aromatic scent when crushed and is the culinary bay leaf used in cooking. New growth emerges light green in spring. Bark is smooth and olive-green on young stems, becoming gray and slightly rough with age. Small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers appear in clusters of 4-6 in leaf axils in spring; female plants produce glossy black or dark purple drupes approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter in fall if a male pollinator is present. Natural form is pyramidal to columnar; responds to shearing and is commonly grown as a formal topiary, standard, or clipped hedge. Susceptible to cold damage below 15°F (-9°C); leaf burn and dieback occur during sustained freezes. Scale insects and bay sucker (Trioza alacris) are common pests.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey) and northern Africa. Occurs naturally in moist valleys, rocky slopes, and evergreen forest margins at elevations from sea level to approximately 2,000 feet (600 m). Widely naturalized in coastal areas of temperate climates worldwide.Suggested Uses
Commonly grown as a specimen tree, formal hedge, topiary, or container plant. As a hedge, plant at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. Container culture in pots of at least 10 gallons (38 L) allows overwintering indoors in zones colder than 7. Leaves are harvested year-round for culinary use; dried leaves retain flavor for 1-2 years.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Small yellowish-green flowers appear in April through May in leaf axils, in clusters of 4-6. Individual flowers are approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) across. Bloom is inconspicuous and not ornamentally significant. Female trees produce glossy black drupes in October through November if a male pollinator is nearby.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system; once established, plants tolerate moderate drought but perform best with supplemental water during extended dry periods. Provide shelter from cold, drying winter winds, which cause leaf burn and branch dieback. In zones 7-8, plant against a south- or west-facing wall for additional winter protection. Apply 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic mulch around the base, keeping it 4 inches (10 cm) from the trunk. Scale insects (particularly soft scale) and bay sucker may require treatment with horticultural oil in late winter. Container-grown plants need protection or relocation indoors when temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).Pruning
Prune in late spring after new growth has hardened to maintain desired shape; plants tolerate heavy shearing for formal topiary and hedging. Remove suckers from the base regularly if a single-trunk tree form is desired. Rejuvenation pruning to within 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of the ground is possible in spring; regrowth is slow, taking 2-3 years to develop a full canopy. Remove frost-damaged branches in late spring once new growth reveals the extent of dieback.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons