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].

Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[257]. It can be roasted and eaten or can be ground into a powder that is used with cereal flours in making bread[62, 105, 177, 183]. A bitter quality in the seed is dispensed by roasting or parching the seed[92, 161]. Fruit - raw or cooked[257]. The leaves are used as a condiment in cooked foods. They are a bayleaf substitute but with a much stronger flavour[2, 94, 238]. Used for flavouring soups, stews etc[183]. A tea is obtained from the leaves[2]. A coffee substitute is obtained from the root bark[161, 183].

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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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