Umbellularia, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
California bay
Overview
Umbellularia is a genus in the laurel family (Lauraceae) with a single species, the California bay (Umbellularia californica), native to the coastal ranges and foothills of California and Oregon. It is an evergreen tree 30-100 feet (9-30 m) tall, sometimes a multi-stemmed shrub on exposed sites, with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are leathery, lance-shaped, and 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, deep green and strongly aromatic when crushed, releasing a pungent, spicy scent. Small yellow-green flowers cluster in the leaf axils in winter and early spring, followed by rounded green fruits that ripen purple, each a thin-fleshed drupe enclosing a single large seed. The wood is hard and is worked for furniture and turnery, and the dried leaves are used as a stronger-flavoured substitute for bay laurel in cooking. Crushing the foliage and inhaling its vapour can trigger headaches in some people. The tree tolerates drought, varied soils, and shade once established.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific coast of North America, in the coast ranges, valleys, and Sierra Nevada foothills of California and southwestern Oregon.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade, screen, and specimen tree in mild-winter regions, and clipped as a tall hedge. The aromatic dried leaves are used as a culinary seasoning, and the wood for crafts and turnery.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 50'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-12 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
