California bay
ExplorePlants
California bay
Umbellularia californica
The California bay tree is a tall, evergreen tree with shiny leaves that smell wonderful! It grows in California and is known for its tasty leaves that can be used in cooking.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The California bay is an evergreen tree with dense, shiny, leathery dark green leaves that are long and pointed. Its small, greenish-yellow flowers grow in clusters, often appearing at the end of winter. The tree has smooth, grayish-brown bark.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLauralesFamilyLauraceaeGenusUmbellularia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Native Americans roasted and ate its spicy nuts, tasting a bit like coffee!
Rubbing its leaves releases a strong, spicy scent that can clear a stuffy nose!
The California bay can live for hundreds of years, becoming a forest giant!
This tree's wood is so hard, it's called "Oregon Myrtle" and used for fancy bowls.
Special abilities
Ability
Scent Shield
California bay has strongly aromatic leaves filled with pungent oils that help it deter hungry browsers.
Ability
Drought Buster
California bay can survive dry spells with its deep root system and tough, leathery leaves that conserve water.
Ability
Regrowth Power
California bay can resprout vigorously from its base after fires, helping it recover quickly in its habitat.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-4000 cm
- Spread
- 200-1500 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits small flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseus
Feeds on the tree's fleshy fruits and nuts.
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on the leaves, especially new growth.
shelters
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Spotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus
Nests and forages within the dense foliage.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't eat any leaves without asking an adult first, even if they smell good!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California bay?
300-4000 cm
How wide does California bay spread?
200-1500 cm
How big are the flowers on California bay?
1-2 cm
When does California bay bloom?
Late winter to early spring
Is California bay edible?
Yes
Is California bay toxic?
Mild
What is California bay's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is California bay pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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