SelecTree: Tree Detail
SWEET BAY
Laurus nobilis
Photo Locations: Independence Park Botanic Garden - Baton Rouge, LA, Los Angeles County Arboretum - Arcadia, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Quail Arboretum - Encinitas, CA and Blake Garden - Kensington, CA
General Notes
Often used as focal tree in garden, this tree can be grown as a standard or as a multi-stemmed specimen. Leaves can be used for seasoning. The thick, waxy leaves are resistant to fire. Dried leaves can be used in closets to deter moths.
Has fragrant Fruit and Leaf.
Native to Mediterranean Region.
Trees may be referred to as male or female.
Family: Lauraceae
Additional Common Names
GRECIAN LAUREL, SWEET BAY, BAY LARUEL, BAY LEAF
Tree Characteristics
Compact and Erect with a Low Canopy.
Conical or Rounded Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 15 - 40 feet.
Width: 15 - 30 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Ovate, Bluish Green or Silver or Gray Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Green, White or Yellow. Flowers in Spring. Has either male or female reproductive parts (dioecious). Trees may be sold as male or female.
Black or Purple Berry, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Fall.
Bark Dark Gray or Light Gray, Fissured.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense to Very Dense in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 5 - 9 and 12 - 24; H1, H2.
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 - 10.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist to Dry Soil.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone and Medium in Moderate Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Psyllid and Scales, Phytophthora and Root Rot.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Moderate.
None Known Health Hazard.
Biogenic Emissions considered Low.
Fire Resistance is Favorable.
Attracts Birds.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Hedged or Topiary.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Laurus nobilis Tree Record." 1995-2021. Jan 21, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/laurus-nobilis >
SelecTree Nursery Connection Map
Cal Poly / ESRI