Umbellularia californica
A broadleaf evergreen laurel native to the western United States, this medium-to-large upright tree grows to about 30–50 ft, with densely aromatic foliage valued for seasoning and richly grained wood, and oils with camphor-like properties that can irritate or be toxic to some people.
Common Names
California Bay Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, California Bay, Bay Laurel, California Laurel, Pepperwood, Myrtlewood, Headache Tree, Balm of Heaven, Spice Tree, Spicebush, Peppernut Tree, Californian Olive Tree, Californian Sassafras Tree, Californian Spice Tree, California Bay Tree
Summary
Umbellularia californica, commonly called California bay laurel, is an evergreen tree native to California and southern Oregon. It grows with an upright to broad crown, typically 20–45 feet tall, and is distinguished by glossy lance-shaped leaves with a peppery, camphor-like aroma, small pale yellow-green flowers in umbels, and green drupes maturing to purple; the wood is highly valued for cabinetry and fine wood products.
In cultivation, it tolerates a wide range of soils from clay to serpentine, prefers full sun to partial shade, and requires well-drained soil; it is drought-tolerant once established. It is used as a tall screen or hedge, and its leaves serve as a seasoning substitute in cooking; caution due to volatile oils that can irritate skin or trigger headaches in sensitive individuals. The plant provides wildlife habitat and hosts several species of butterflies and moths.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
6-80 feet
Spread
3-30 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 7-7
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally between shade and full sun, tolerates full sun to deep shade
Soil Type
Well-drained, fertile soil (loam, sandy-loam, or clay) with a pH of 5.7–7.4
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil, preferably deep and fertile, that retains some moisture but prevents waterlogging.
Soil pH
5.0-8.0
Bloom Color
Yellow to Green
Bloom Time
Spring to early Summer
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
No fall foliage color; evergreen leaves stay green year-round.
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Slow to establish, then about 1–2 feet per year once established.
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Layering
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts birds, Supports butterflies and moths as pollinators
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.
- Publication
- N. Amer. Sylv. 1: 87 (1842)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Laurales
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Genus
- Umbellularia
Synonyms
Oreodaphne regalis Tetranthera causticans Persea causticans Drimophyllum pauciflorum Umbellularia californica var. californica Tetranthera californica Oreodaphne californica Umbellularia californica f. pendula Umbellularia californica var. fresnensis Litsea californica