California Laurel, California Bay, Oregon Myrtle, Pepperwood, Balm of Heaven, Californian Olive Tree, Californian Sassafras Tree, Californian Spice Tree, Headache Tree
Umbellularia californica, commonly known as California Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, or California Bay, is a versatile broadleaf evergreen tree or shrub native to the Pacific coastal regions of southwestern Oregon and California. Belonging to the laurel family (Lauraceae), this aromatic species is prized for its glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, culinary applications, and richly grained wood. Its adaptability to various soils, drought tolerance, and ecological value make it an important plant in natural landscapes and cultivated settings.
Though often compared to Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), California Laurel is a distinct species, known for its stronger aroma and role in regional ecosystems. It is the only species in its genus, Umbellularia.
California Laurel is native to the western United States and parts of northwestern Mexico. Its natural range extends from the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountains in southwest Oregon, through California’s Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and portions of the Central Valley, reaching as far south as San Diego County. It also occurs in the northwestern regions of Mexico. This versatile tree thrives in a variety of habitats, including moist canyons, streambanks, and shaded hillsides, at elevations up to approximately 5,200 feet (1,600 meters).
This evergreen species varies in form from a multi-stemmed shrub to a large upright tree. In moist areas, it can grow tall and dense with a broad, rounded crown, while in dry environments, it remains smaller and more shrub-like. It can also form dense thickets via root sprouts.
California Laurel typically grows 30 to 80 feet tall (9 to 24 meters), with some specimens reaching up to 100 feet (30 m) in ideal conditions. In exposed or arid locations, it may remain under 20 feet tall (6 meters).
The spread can range from 18 to 30 feet for trees, while shrub forms are generally smaller.
California Laurel is slow to establish but can grow medium to fast once established. It may grow about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year under optimal conditions.
With proper conditions, California Laurel can live for several decades to over 100 years. Older trees often develop multiple trunks and dense crowns.
In early to mid-spring, California Laurel produces delicate clusters of creamy-white to pale yellow flowers arranged in short-stemmed umbels of 6 to 10 blossoms. Nestled in the leaf axils, each bloom is about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) across. Though modest in appearance, their sweet, spicy fragrance attracts bees and other early-season pollinators.
By fall, the tree bears distinctive, olive-like drupes—round to elliptical fruits about 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter. Starting green, they ripen to a yellowish-green or rich purple. Inside lies a single, hard seed, known as the “bay nut,” once roasted and eaten by Native American tribes. With its avocado-like look and earthy aroma, the fruit adds character and ecological value.
California Laurel boasts handsome, evergreen leaves that are leathery and lance-shaped, measuring 1 to 4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long and 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) wide. Arranged alternately, the upper surface is glossy dark green, while the underside is paler and slightly hairy. When crushed, the leaves release a sharp, spicy-camphor scent. Though sometimes used as a substitute for Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) in cooking, their more intense flavor requires careful use.
Young bark is smooth and grayish-brown, maturing to scaly, reddish-brown tones. The trunks and branches may become deeply furrowed with age, contributing to the tree’s rugged character.
California Laurel is highly prized as an ornamental and street tree along the West Coast and is considered the most valued hardwood species in the Western United States. Its handsome, light brown wood—often accented with darker, streaky figuring—is widely used for veneer, fine furniture, cabinetry, and interior paneling and trim.
California Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 7–9. It tolerates cold down to 10°F (-12°C) and performs well in coastal and interior climates with cool winters and dry summers.
California Laurel supports a wide array of wildlife. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinating insects, especially bees and flies. Birds, squirrels, and small mammals—including silver gray squirrels, dusky-footed woodrats, California mice, and Steller’s jays—feed extensively on the seeds.
The dense evergreen foliage provides excellent cover and nesting sites.
The tree also serves as a larval host for several moth species. In early spring, deer and goats browse the young shoots when aromatic compounds are at their lowest. Hogs are known to consume both seeds and roots.
Once established, California Laurel is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental irrigation. It also exhibits moderate salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal environments.
The leaves contain umbellulone, a volatile compound that can cause headaches or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Though sometimes used in cooking, the strong oils may pose health risks if consumed in large amounts. Always use it with caution.
California Laurel is generally deer-resistant due to its strong scent and tough, leathery leaves. However, young sprouts may be browsed by deer or goats in early spring.
California Laurel is not considered invasive but can spread aggressively via suckers in suitable conditions.
California Laurel can be propagated by both seed and semi-hardwood cuttings, although patience is required due to its slow growth rate.
Once seedlings or rooted cuttings have developed strong root systems, transplant them into individual containers. Grow them on for 1–2 years before planting out in the landscape.
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Lauraceae |
Common names | California Bay, Pepperwood |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 20' - 80' (6.1m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 18' - 30' (5.5m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Lauraceae |
Common names | California Bay, Pepperwood |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 20' - 80' (6.1m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 18' - 30' (5.5m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Umbellularia californica (California Laurel) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Umbellularia californica (California Laurel) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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