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Umbellularia californica
East end of bridge in arboretum, near Mary Wattis Brown garden
The California bay is a tall evergreen tree. Leaves have a scent somewhat similar to that of sweet bay, and can be used as its substitute in cooking, but the odor and flavor are much more pungent.
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Botanical Name:
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Umbellularia californica
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Common Name:
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California bay tree
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Location:
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East end of bridge in arboretum, near Mary Wattis Brown garden
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Family:
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Lauraceae
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Sunset Zones:
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4-10, 12-24, H1
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Native Range:
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Southwestern Oregon, California Coast Ranges, lower elevations of Sierra Nevada
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Habitat:
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Deep, moist soil conditions, in shady or sunny locations. Tolerates many conditions from aridity to regular water, from shade to full sun.
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General Habit:
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Evergreen, varies from rounded shrub to tall upright tree, up to 80 ft. Can have dense, spreading canopy.
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Notes:
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Flowers in spring. This tree is also known as the "headache tree" because the strong smell of the leaves are known to cause a headache.
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