California Bay
Umbellularia californica
Also listed as Drimophyllum pauciflorum, Litsea californica
Also known as California Bay Laurel, California Laurel, Bay Laurel
Climate Match for your location
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California bay is a native evergreen tree with aromatic foliage and small yellowish flowers. It is drought-tolerant once established and grows well in Mediterranean climates.
Why grow it
California bay offers a drought-tolerant evergreen alternative to bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) in regions with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The foliage is aromatic and can be used in cooking similarly to culinary bay, though with a more peppery profile. As a native tree to California woodlands, it requires minimal supplemental water once established and fits well into low-input Mediterranean and oak woodland gardens.
Watch out for
California bay can spread aggressively in favorable conditions and may self-seed prolifically, requiring management to prevent it from dominating smaller plantings. The crushed foliage produces a strong, pungent aroma that some find overpowering in enclosed spaces. Young trees benefit from consistent water during establishment despite the species' eventual drought tolerance, and growth can be slow in the first few years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
California bay is a native evergreen tree with aromatic foliage and small yellowish flowers. It is drought-tolerant once established and grows well in Mediterranean climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Bay grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California bay offers a drought-tolerant evergreen alternative to bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) in regions with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The foliage is aromatic and can be used in cooking similarly to culinary bay, though with a more peppery profile. As a native tree to California woodlands, it requires minimal supplemental water once established and fits well into low-input Mediterranean and oak woodland gardens.
Watch out for
California bay can spread aggressively in favorable conditions and may self-seed prolifically, requiring management to prevent it from dominating smaller plantings. The crushed foliage produces a strong, pungent aroma that some find overpowering in enclosed spaces. Young trees benefit from consistent water during establishment despite the species' eventual drought tolerance, and growth can be slow in the first few years.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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