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
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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].

Medicinal Information: California laurel was employed medicinally by some native North Americam Indian tribes who used it particularly as an analgesic to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism, being valued for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system. The leaves are analgesic, antirheumatic, nervine and stomachic[92, 94, 95, 238, 257]. Although the aroma of the leaves is known to cause headaches, they have also been used as an infusion and a poultice to treat this affliction[92, 94, 95, 238, 257]. The leaves are also used internally to treat neuralgia, intestinal cramps and gastroenteritis[238]. An infusion has been used by women to ease the pains of afterbirth[257]. Externally, an infusion has been used as a bath in the treatment of rheumatism[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used as a wash on sores and to remove vermin from the head[257]. They are harvested as required and can be used fresh or dried[238]. A poultice of the ground seeds has been used to treat sores[257]. The seeds have been eaten as a stimulant[257].

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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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