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].

General Uses: The leaves are used as an insect repellent, they are especially effective against fleas[62, 92, 94, 95, 169]. They have disinfectant properties and contain small quantities of camphor[95, 169]. The leaves are burnt as a fumigant to get rid of fleas[257]. The leaves have been hung in bunches to freshen the air[257]. The aroma of the leaves gives some people headaches[K]. An essential oil is obtained from the leaves by steam distillation[11, 46, 61, 82]. Beige and green dyes are obtained from the fruits (used without the seeds). Very aromatic, the dye retains its fragrance for many years[168]. Wood - hard, close grained, heavy, strong, takes a high polish. A beautifully textured wood, it is used for high quality cabinet making, panelling etc[61, 82, 94, 229].

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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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