Skip to content
Log inStart trial

California Bay

Umbellularia Californica

Design with this plant

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 8–11Type Shrub, TreeClimate Alpine, Mediterranean
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — consider the California Bay for areas with ample space that allow for its mature sizeCalifornia Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The wood of Umbellularia californica is hard and durableCalifornia Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This tree is dioecious with small yellowish-green flowers appearing in early springCalifornia Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This aromatic species is a splendid addition to a garden where space permitsCalifornia Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — commonly known as the California Bay or California LaurelCalifornia Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Crushed leaves emit a potent fragrance reminiscent of bay leaves+54

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
8–11

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Lauraceae
Climate
Alpine, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (61)

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests
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) — This tree is dioecious with small yellowish-green flowers appearing in early spring
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This aromatic species is a splendid addition to a garden where space permits
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — commonly known as the California Bay or California Laurel
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Crushed leaves emit a potent fragrance reminiscent of bay leaves
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This aromatic species is a splendid addition to a garden where space permits; as its robust root system can be
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — making it valuable for woodworking projects.<br><br>When designing a landscape
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — yellow flowers in the garden
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — This tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is highly valued for woodworking projects; as its
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — lance-shaped leaves are a glossy deep green and can measure up to 4 inches long
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — is a versatile evergreen tree native to the coastal forests of California and southern Oregon; the California Bay
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) — as it can reach impressive sizes; this tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is highly
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — is a versatile evergreen tree native to the coastal forests of California and southern Oregon
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Crushed leaves emit a potent fragrance reminiscent of bay leaves; this tree's dense canopy provides excellent
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — lance-shaped leaves are a glossy deep green and can measure up to 4 inches long; as its robust root system can be
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — shrub / tree with yellow blooms
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — which mature by fall.<br><br>As a landscape element
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — which are sometimes used as a culinary substitute
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Caution: leaves may be toxic when ingested; this tree's dense canopy provides excellent shade, while its wood is
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — as it can reach impressive sizes
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, reaching 40-70 feet tall and spreading 10-20 feet wide; although it can attain a
Photographs by 9 contributors

Related plants

Avocado (Persea Americana) — Gardeners must be mindful of water needs

Tree

Avocado

Persea Americana

FullUSDA 10–10
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora) — which is both refreshing and therapeutic; hardy in USDA zones 8-10, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, image 76

Tree

Camphor Tree

Cinnamomum Camphora

FullUSDA 8–11
False Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Glanduliferum) — Its glossy leaves emit a spicy fragrance when crushed, adding a sensory appeal

Tree

False Camphor Tree

Cinnamomum Glanduliferum

FullUSDA 8–11
Grecian Laurel (Laurus Nobilis) — Hardiness zones for this laurel range from 8 to 10

Shrub

Grecian Laurel

Laurus Nobilis

FullUSDA 9–10
Hass Avocado (Persea Americana 'Hass') — is a prolific cultivar that serves as a staple in both culinary and landscape settings

Tree

Hass Avocado

Persea Americana 'Hass'

FullUSDA 10–10
Little Cado Avocado (Persea Americana 'Little Cado') — The Persea americana 'Little Cado' is a dwarf avocado cultivar ideal for limited spaces

Tree

Little Cado Avocado

Persea Americana 'Little Cado'

FullUSDA 10–10