Umbellularia californica, California laurel

Scientific name: Umbellularia californica

Common name: California Bay 

A tree that can reach up to 80 feet tall and 30 feet wide.  White flowers bloom in the spring.  This tree releases terpenes that kill of competing plants.  This tree can be potted or is great for bank stabilization or to be used as hedges.  It is great for cooking and the roasted nuts are delicious!  This plant produces a pollen that can produce an allergic reaction.

Prune in the summer.  Mature trees do not need regular pruning.  Young plants grown as screens or hedges should be pinched and lightly headed back regularly. 

Plant with: California Wild Grape (Vitis californica) is said to work well in the understory. Compatible trees/shrubs include Madrone(Arbutus menziesii), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.), Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), Ceanothus sp., California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica), Silk Tassel (Garrya elliptica or fremontii), Tanoak(Notholithocarpus densiflorus), Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Oak (Quercus sp.), and Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

Care:

- Plant in full sun to part shade

- Drought tolerant once established

- Fragrant foliage

- Fire resistant

- Deer resistent 

- Attracts butterflies

- Great for erosion control and bank stabilization

- Hardy to 10 degrees

- Native to California