Umbellularia californica

Bay Laurel is an evergreen shrub to tree. Its final height is 47'average (in 100+years). It grows only a few inches a year here; along the coast it may grow a much as 4' or so each year.  Native to the mountains of California and into Oregon. It likes sun in the mountains and along the coast where the rainfall is above 30 inches/year. In the interior give part shade and moderate water.

The leaves are aromatic like its cousin from Greece. Its leaves used as seasoning.

Bay Laurel tolerates serpentine soil. A refined plant. No cold damage at 10 degrees F., burnt to the ground at 0. Easy to hold at 6-8'. Good in containers.

This species releases terpenes that inhibit seedlings (weeds) (Rice). Vitis californica grows as an understory.