Bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is an evergreen tree is an attractive tree of variable size, most often 20 to 45 feet. It is slow to establish, then grows fast. The leaves give off a peppery aroma and are often used as a cooking spice. They sometimes turn a spectacular golden color during the autumn in northern California. The flowers are small; white, yellow or yellowish green; and open in late winter and early spring. The fruit is a round, green berry lightly spotted with yellow and purple.
This is one of the few garden trees that tolerates serpentine or clay soils. It is adaptable to various soils and drought tolerant to moderate in water use. It releases terpenes that kill off competing plants, which can somewhat limit understory planting. Protect young plants from browsing deer.
Numerous insects and birds are attracted to the flowers and fruits, with about 4 species of butterfly and moth hosted.