CALIFORNIA BAY LAUREL

Species Name: Umbellularia californica
Family: Lauraceae (laurel family)
Plant Type: Broad-leaf tree



Description:  Tree, broad, round topped with height over 90 feet; also a shrub, especially on coastal bluffs, or in dry or poorly drained soils, evergreen.



Leaf:  Oblong, length to 4 inches, alternate, highly aromatic when crushed.

 

Flower:  December-May, bisexual, clusters of 6-10 small, greenish-yellow flowers, flowers petal-less, with 6 petal-like sepals, sepal length 1/8 inch.

Fruit/Seed:  Round-oval stone fruit, greenish but ripening to dark purple, olive-like appearance, length to 1 inch, ripens in late autumn or winter.

Typical Location:  Floodplains, mixed evergreen forests and upland habitat; elevations below 5,200 feet.

Revegetation Approach:  Container, direct seed. Gather seed in October-December, remove thin fleshy coat and plant immediately. 

Key Notes:  Fragrance from crushed leaves is a notable characteristic.

Notes:  Provides shade, shelter, roosting and nesting sites.  Seeds provide forage for small mammals and birds. Source of large woody debris.