Lauraceae
California bay laurel: Aromatic Plant
Umbellularia californica
A low-maintenance tree that is easy to grow in mild climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but responds well to occasional watering in the summer. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. Prune only after flowering.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-15° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is California bay laurel?
California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is a easy-care plant from the Lauraceae family. Umbellularia californica is an evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family, native to the coastal forests of California and southwestern Oregon. It can reach heights of 20 to 25 meters, though it often grows in a more shrub-like form in dry soils. Its lanceolate, dark green, and glossy leaves release an...
California bay laurel grows up to 25.0m, spread of 1000cm, watering every 14 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, California bay laurel tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, California bay laurel is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for California bay laurel?
TLDR: California bay laurel needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water California bay laurel?
Water regularly during the first two years to establish the roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant: water deeply every 1-2 weeks during dry periods and allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does California bay laurel Need?
Thrives in full sun (6 or more hours daily), which ensures a dense canopy and abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but does not grow well in deep shade.
What Is the Best Soil for California bay laurel?
Adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay-loam soils, provided they have good drainage. Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.5). Avoid waterlogged soils for long periods.
What Pot Should You Use for California bay laurel?
Due to its large size, it is intended for planting in the ground rather than permanent pots. If grown young in a container, use a deep clay pot or breathable material with large drainage holes, transplanting to the ground as soon as possible.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
What Is California bay laurel and Where Does It Come From?
Umbellularia californica is an evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family, native to the coastal forests of California and southwestern Oregon. It can reach heights of 20 to 25 meters, though it often grows in a more shrub-like form in dry soils. Its lanceolate, dark green, and glossy leaves release an intense, spicy aroma when crushed, due to volatile oils rich in umbellulone. In spring, it produces small creamy-yellow flowers clustered in umbels, followed by green to purple drupe-like fruits. It is a long-lived, hardy, and drought-tolerant species, highly valued in native landscaping and for its wood (known as myrtlewood).
How to Propagate California bay laurel?
Seed propagation
Seeds have short viability; sow fresh in the fall, immediately after harvesting ripe fruits. Germination can be slow and irregular.
- 1 Harvest ripe fruits (purple drupes) in the fall and remove the fleshy pulp
- 2 Sow fresh seeds in a deep container with well-drained substrate
- 3 Keep in a cold, sheltered location during winter
- 4 Keep the substrate slightly moist until germination in the spring
- 5 Transplant seedlings when they reach handling size, protecting them from frost during the first winter
Materials needed:
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Take 7-10 cm semi-hardwood cuttings with a heel in July/August. A shaded and humid environment improves rooting.
- 1 Cut 7 to 10 cm cuttings from semi-mature branches, with a heel at the base
- 2 Remove lower leaves and apply rooting hormone to the base
- 3 Plant in a light, well-drained substrate
- 4 Keep in a cold, shaded nursery with high and constant humidity
- 5 Wait for rooting and transplant when roots are firm
Materials needed:
How Big Does California bay laurel Grow?
TLDR: California bay laurel can reach up to 25.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
25.0m
Spread
10.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Tea or infusion of the leaves traditionally used for headaches
- Leaves with analgesic, anti-rheumatic, and stomachic properties
- Leaf baths and poultices for rheumatism and joint pain
- Topical use of leaves on wounds and to relieve toothaches
Culinary Uses
- Leaves used as a substitute for bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) to flavor soups, stews, and meats, though with a much stronger flavor—use half the amount or less
- Roasted seeds consumed as a snack or ground into flour for breads
- Roasted seed used as a coffee substitute
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect California bay laurel?
TLDR: California bay laurel is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Phytophthora Root Rot
The Phytophthora genus consists of soil-borne oomycetes (water molds) that act as plant pathogens, primarily affecting trees and woody plants. It typically spreads through the root system, leading to systemic decline and eventual plant collapse.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Considered a sacred and medicinal tree by various Native American peoples of California, associated with protection, purification, and healing.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
