California Laurel, Oregon Myrtle

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun

Origin: Mountain ranges of the US West Coast, from Oregon to San Diego County, California, up to 6000 feet elevation (1800 m)

Growth Habits: Evergreen tree, slow growing to 40 to 80 feet tall (12-24 m); trunk 2 to 5 feet in diameter (60-150 cm); rather thin, reddish-brown bark, somewhat scaly when mature, up to 1 inch thick (2.5 cm); dark green and shiny leaves, very aromatic when crushed, 3 to 5 inches long (7.5-12.5 cm), paler and smooth underside

Watering Needs: Little to regular water

Propagation: Seeds, suckers, self sows

The California laurel litters a lot and has invasive roots. This limits somewhat its use. The very pungent leaves can be used to replace the sweet bay in cooking, although their scent is stronger.
The genus name 'Umbellularia' comes from the Latin for 'small umbel', referring to the inflorescence.

Blooming Habits:
Inconspicuous, small and yellowish flowers in clusters.

Fruiting Habits:
Inedible bluish-black, olive-like fruits with yellow stalks, about 0.8 inch in diameter (2 cm).