SelecTree: Tree Detail

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

See all Laurus.

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 Oval 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, Gray Green or Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.

Green, White or Yellow. Flowers in Spring. Has either male or female flowers (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." 1995-2020. Feb 27, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/laurus-nobilis >

SelecTree Nursery Connection Map
Cal Poly / ESRI