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bay laurel

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Bay_laurel_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

bay laurel

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Laurus nobilis L.

Family

Lauraceae

Species Description

Bay laurel is an evergreen tree or large shrub with dense foliage and shiny grey bark. Leaves are pointed, elliptical, thick and leathery in texture, smooth along the margins, bright green and glossy when young and darker green when mature. The leaves must be crushed to release the aromatic oils. The tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers are pale yellow-green, and borne in pairs beside the leaf. The fruit is a small black berry that matures in early autumn and contains a single seed.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Bay laurel is native to southern Europe, the Middle East, Western Asia, and North Africa. Bay laurel forests used to grow extensively in these regions, and are now more isolated, though the species is still widespread.

Natural Habitat

The tree thrives in ravines and thickets, and may be found growing near old rock walls.

Cultural-Historic Notes

This species is native to many countries in the greater Mediterranean region, where it has been held in high regard since ancient times. In ancient Greece, the tree was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and was also a symbol of peace and victory. Laurel branches were used to make head wreaths for emperors, military generals, and poets. It is now grown commercially for its pungent leaves in Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico. Selected cultivars include 'Aurea', with yellowish young foliage; 'Angustifolia' or 'Willow-leaf bay’, with narrow lance-shaped leaves; and 'Undulata' with wavy leaf margins.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Evergreen

Growth Rate

Slow

Canopy Diameter

10-30 feet

Tree Height

10-60 feet

Lifespan

100 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Hardy to about 30 degrees F, though it can stand brief periods below freezing. Laurus nobilis angustifolia is slightly more cold tolerant.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Bay laurel can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate strong winds.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

Medium: 20-35 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Bay laurel is drought tolerant, but does best with regular deep watering every other week in winter to weekly or twice a week in the heat of the summer. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

CARE

Pollination

Bay laurel trees are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, and trees have either male or female flowers). Both must be grown if seed is required, however, the leaves of the tree are most often used, and these can be harvested from male or female trees. Bees are primary pollinators, and trees must be cross-pollinated.

Soils

Bay laurel prefers well-drained soils, but can grow in a wide range of soil types.

Propagation

Bay laurel trees may be propagated by seed; in early fall, when the berries ripen, pick out the individual seeds from the berries and sow them directly in the ground. Remember that bay laurel trees are dioecious, so male and female trees must be present to obtain viable seed. Seeds may take six months to one year to germinate. Seedlings may be transplanted into pots and raised in the greenhouse for the first year. Plant seedling trees into permanent positions in early summer, and provide frost protection until the trees are one to two years old. Rooted suckers may be dug up from the base of the tree and transplanted to pots or into the ground. Stem cuttings may also be propagated, but these take a long time to root. Bay laurel trees are slow growing and take many years to mature.

Pest & Disease Control

Bay laurel is highly resistant to most pests and diseases.

Pruning Notes

Prune to shape. Trees may suffer cold or wind damage to the branches during winter, which can be pruned in the spring. Bay laurel may also be pruned into small tree for container growing, a hedge or topiary sculpture.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Bay laurel leaves are used as a spicy, rich, aromatic flavoring for soups and stews. The leaves should be cooked in the dish for a long while to impart their full flavor. The leaf is left whole so it can be retrieved before serving the dish. Bay laurel leaves are usually harvested in summer by trimming small branches off of the tree, and then plucking the leaves from the branch. The leaves may be used fresh or dried. The leaves may be stored for one year before beginning to lose flavor. They can be brewed into an herbal tea. The dried fruit may also be used as a spice.

Harvest Months

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Harvest Months Notes

Leaves - January thru December

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.