Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Umbellularia californica or California laurel

The genus Umbellularia, family Lauraceae, includes a single species of tree native to California: Umbellularia californica.

Common names: California laurel, Oregon myrtle, California bay, Cinnamon bush, Mountain laurel.

They are evergreen trees or shrubs with a rounded crown that reach 30 meters (98.4 feet) in height. The leaves are leathery, aromatic, lanceolate, with a smooth margin and a glossy dark green color. The small yellowish or greenish flowers appear in axillary umbels. They bloom from late winter to early spring. The fruits are berries that turn purple when ripe.

California laurel is used as isolated specimens, in streets and public parks, to form hedges and in pots for terraces and patios. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The leaves are used as a condiment and the wood is highly prized.

Umbellularia californica can grow in full sun, semi-shade or shade exposures. It resists frost down to -15 ºC (5 ºF).

California bay can be grown in many types of soil: from acidic to slightly calcareous. Use a normal garden soil with coarse sand and compost.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to dry. In winter reduce watering.

Fertilize with compost in the fall.

Prune lightly in autumn if used to form hedges.

Umbellularia californica is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

California laurel is propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery.

Images of the tree Umbellularia californica or California laurel