Umbellularia californica California laurel (Lauraceae) Evergreen tree

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Umbellularia californica
California laurel
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Umbellularia californica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California to Oregon. It is a member of the Lauraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as California laurel. Some home gardeners know the variety as Laurus regalis. L. regia. Oreodaphne californica. Tetranthera californica.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Umbellularia californica
Common Name:  California laurel
Family:  Lauraceae
Author:  (Hook.&Arn.)Nutt.

Known Hazards:  The foliage can cause skin irritations[1, 11]. A volatile oil in the leaves can cause sneezing and headaches if inhaled[11].

Mature Height:  25   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Lower mountain slopes, flatlands, hillsides etc, on various soils and often in shade[62, 94]. The best specimens are found in deep rich soils of valley bottoms[229].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a well-drained moisture retentive lime-free soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers an abundant supply of moisture in the growing season[82]. Older plants are hardy to about -15°c when growing in a position that is sheltered from cold drying winds, but young plants require some frost protection[200]. Even mature plants can be damaged in severe winters[1]. The leaves are harvested commercially in California and sold as a bay-leaf substitute[183]. The leaves emit a powerful camphor-like scent when bruised[245]. So strong is the aroma that it can cause headaches and dizziness[245]. A very large and beautiful tree fruited regularly at Kew, producing viable seed, until it was blown down in the severe storms of October 1987[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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