California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica)
Also known as: Oregon myrtle, California bay tree, Mountain laurel, Peppernut tree, Headache tree
Certainly! The California bay laurel tree serves multiple purposes:
1. **Cooking**: While sometimes used as a substitute for bay leaves, it has a much more intense flavor.
2. **Woodworking**: The wood is prized for its fine grain and is often used in the creation of furniture and as tonewood for musical instruments like guitars.
3. **Traditional Medicine**: Indigenous peoples use the leaves for their medicinal properties to treat ailments such as headaches and colds.
In This Article
Attributes of California bay laurel
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
30 m
Spread
8 m to 9 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Green
Images of California bay laurel
Quickly Identify California bay laurel
1
Distinctive reddish-brown bark, becoming scaly with age, aiding in identification.
2
Aromatic twigs starting light green, maturing to grayish-brown, unique scent and color transition.
3
Lance-shaped dark green leaves with shiny upper surface and smooth to sparsely hairy underside.
4
Clusters of fragrant creamy white to pale yellow flowers, measuring 0.6 inches (1.5 cm).
5
Small fleshy drupes with oval to spherical shape, transitioning from green to purple.
Scientific Classification of California bay laurel
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Laurales
Family
Laurel
Genus
California laurel
Species
California bay laurel
Planting and Growing of California bay laurel
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-6 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Terracotta
How to Water California bay laurel?
Umbellularia californica prefers a deep watering approach, where you allow the water to soak through the soil thoroughly. Ideally, aim to pour around 500 milliliters of water until the soil feels evenly moist, but ensure there is good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered California bay laurel?
›
What should I do if my California bay laurel is not getting enough water?
›
What are the symptoms of an overwatered California bay laurel?
›
How to save an overwatered California bay laurel?
›
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for California bay laurel?
Full to partial sun exposure is optimal for this plant. Ideal lighting enhances growth, boosts oil production, and maintains vibrant foliage color.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What is the ideal lighting condition for Umbellularia californica?
›
What are some solutions to achieve ideal lighting?
›
What are the benefits of ideal lighting conditions?
›
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for California bay laurel?
Umbellularia californica thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Within this range, the plant can perform optimal physiological processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration effectively. These conditions mirror its native coastal and inland valleys of California and Oregon where the climate is mild, ensuring robust growth and minimal stress.
What Soil is Best for California bay laurel?
Umbellularia californica thrives best in well-drained soil that prevents root rot while maintaining adequate moisture. This condition ensures optimal nutrient uptake and robust growth. The plant favors nutrient-rich soils that provide essential elements for its growth. Incorporating organic matter boosts soil fertility, thereby supporting this plant's lush leaf development. While good drainage is crucial, it's equally important for the soil to retain some moisture. Consistent moisture levels help the plant sustain its growth cycle without experiencing water stress.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize California bay laurel?
Umbellularia californica, commonly known as California bay laurel, is a plant that benefits from moderate fertilization. When applying liquid fertilizer, use a balanced formula with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 10-10-10) mixed at half the recommended strength per label instructions. For solid fertilizers, a similar N-P-K ratio in granular form applied according to package guidelines suits its growth needs.
More About Fertilizing Techniques→
How to Prune California bay laurel?
Always start by removing any dead or diseased branches, as these can harm the overall health of your Laurel Bay. Cut them back to the main stem or branch collar. Prune to allow light and air to penetrate the interior foliage by thinning crowded branches. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and promotes a healthier tree structure. Prune to maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape, ensuring your cuts are above outward-facing buds to encourage outward growth. This promotes a more natural and robust tree form.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate California bay laurel plant?
1
Harvest seeds from mature Umbellularia californica fruits when they turn black. Clean them thoroughly to remove any pulp and allow them to dry before planting to enhance their viability.
2
Cut semi-hardwood sections from healthy stems, ideally measuring 4-6 inches in length. Remove leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to stimulate root development.
3
Select a low branch and gently bend it to the ground. Make a wound on the underside of the branch, cover it with some soil, and use a rock or stake to keep it in place until it roots.
How to Repot California bay laurel plant?
1
Repot Umbellularia californica when you notice the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, or when the plant shows signs of stunted growth due to being root-bound. This typically happens every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot in spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing.
2
Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. The chosen pot material should be sturdy to support the weight of the mature plant.
3
Choose a well-draining potting mix, ideally one with a mixture of peat, perlite, and sand. This type of soil provides excellent drainage, essential for preventing water stagnation and ensuring healthy root growth by allowing oxygen to reach the roots.
Toxicity of California bay laurel
Is California bay laurel toxic to humans?
The California bay laurel tree poses a limited danger, yet it houses a toxin that produces some quite peculiar effects. The leaves and their oils contain a ketone known as umbellulone, which can irritate the skin upon contact with the oil. Inhalation of its aroma can lead to intense headaches and excruciating chills. Other potential symptoms may include a runny nose, irritation of the eyes, breathing difficulties, haziness of mind, and a decrease in blood pressure. Being near even a single crushed leaf can trigger these symptoms. It is advisable to keep young children at a safe distance from this tree and prevent older children from climbing it.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
