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

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) — as its robust root system can be invasive
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The pollinated blooms develop into purplish-green
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — avoid planting it too close to structures or plumbing systems
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Known for its aromatic foliage and pale yellow flowers, it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun; the
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) — Known for its aromatic foliage and pale yellow flowers, it prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — shrub / tree for full or half
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) — typically growing 40 to 60 feet tall with a canopy spread of 15 to 25 feet
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — Caution: leaves may be toxic when ingested
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — commonly known as the California Bay or California Laurel; although it can attain a height of over 100 feet in its
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — It's ideal for large backgrounds, tall screens, or as an elegant shade tree
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests; this tree's
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) — although it can attain a height of over 100 feet in its natural habitat.<br><br>The California Bay's slender; the
California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — typically growing 40 to 60 feet tall with a canopy spread of 15 to 25 feet; although it can attain a height of over
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Umbellularia Californica
Photographs by 10 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