California Bay

Umbellularia Californica

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Overview

The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests. It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, reaching 40-70 feet tall and spreading 10-20 feet wide. Known for its aromatic foliage and pale yellow flowers, it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. This tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is highly valued for woodworking projects. Caution: leaves may be toxic when ingested.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 8–11Climate Alpine, Mediterranean

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Known for its aromatic foliage and pale yellow flowers, it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, reaching 40-70 feet tall and spreading 10-20 feet wide

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — commonly known as the California Bay or California Laurel

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Caution: leaves may be toxic when ingested

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is highly valued for woodworking projects

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — as it can reach impressive sizes

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 8–11

Shape & size

Mature height: 12–80 Ft.
Mature width: 10–30 Ft.

Classification

Family: Lauraceae
Climate: Alpine, Mediterranean

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Photos (41)

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Known for its aromatic foliage and pale yellow flowers, it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, reaching 40-70 feet tall and spreading 10-20 feet wide

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — commonly known as the California Bay or California Laurel

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Caution: leaves may be toxic when ingested

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is highly valued for woodworking projects

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — as it can reach impressive sizes

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — is a versatile evergreen tree native to the coastal forests of California and southern Oregon

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This aromatic species is a splendid addition to a garden where space permits

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — although it can attain a height of over 100 feet in its natural habitat.<br><br>The California Bay's slender

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — lance-shaped leaves are a glossy deep green and can measure up to 4 inches long

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — typically growing 40 to 60 feet tall with a canopy spread of 15 to 25 feet

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — which are sometimes used as a culinary substitute

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This tree is dioecious with small yellowish-green flowers appearing in early spring

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The pollinated blooms develop into purplish-green

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Crushed leaves emit a potent fragrance reminiscent of bay leaves

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — the California Bay requires well-draining soil and can adapt to both full sun and partial shade

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — It prefers regular moisture but once established, it demonstrates good drought tolerance

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — which mature by fall.<br><br>As a landscape element

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — making it valuable for woodworking projects.<br><br>When designing a landscape

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — consider the California Bay for areas with ample space that allow for its mature size

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The wood of Umbellularia californica is hard and durable

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — avoid planting it too close to structures or plumbing systems

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — as its robust root system can be invasive

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