Family: Lauraceae
Author: (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.
Bibliography: N. Amer. Sylv. 1: 87 (1842)
Year: 1842
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Umbellularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Oregon to Mexico (N. Baja California)
Description
California-laurel, scientifically known as Umbellularia californica, is a distinguished member of the Lauraceae family. This evergreen tree thrives predominantly in the southwestern regions, stretching from Oregon to northern Baja California in Mexico. Known for its lush, aromatic foliage, the California-laurel is a vital part of the western landscape.
The tree can grow to impressive heights, often reaching up to 30 meters tall, though in more shrub-like forms, it can be significantly smaller. Its leaves are glossy and dark green, exuding a strong, pungent aroma when crushed, which has led to the tree also being called the Oregon myrtle or pepperwood.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the California-laurel is its adaptation to diverse ecological zones, suggesting a high level of resilience and versatility. It thrives in various environmental conditions ranging from dense forests to coastal regions. Moreover, this species has a historical significance; its leaves and berries have been traditionally utilized by Indigenous peoples for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Umbellularia californica is not just appreciated for its ecological role but also for its ornamental value. The tree’s dense canopy provides ample shade, and its robust nature makes it a popular choice for urban landscaping.
In conclusion, the California-laurel is a remarkable species with a broad geographical range and a rich history of use that underscores both its ecological importance and cultural value. This information is compiled based on notable references, including N. Amer. Sylv. 1: 87 (1842) by (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.
Common Names
Deu: berglorbeer
Eng: california bay, california laurel, california-laurel, california-nutmeg, california-olive, oregon-myrtle, headachetree, myrtlewood, pepperwood, californian bay, balm of heaven, bay laurel, californian laurel, myrtle-wood
Swe: kalifornisk lager
En: California-laurel, California-nutmeg, California-olive, Headachetree, Pepperwood, Oregon-myrtle, California bay, Myrtlewood, California Bay Laurel, Oregon myrtle, Bay laurel, Takape kakaaka, California laurel, Californian Bay, Balm of Heaven, Californian Laurel, Myrtle-wood
Cs: Okoličnatka kalifornská
Fr: Laurier de Californie
De: Berglorbeer, Kalifornischer Lorbeer
Hu: Amerikai babér
Nb: Californialaurbær
Ru: Умбеллюлярия
Sv: Kalifornisk lager
Uk: Умбелюларія каліфорнійська
Synonyms
- Oreodaphne californica (Nees)
- Tetranthera causticans ((Pasq.) Pasq.)
- Oreodaphne regalis (Regel)
- Umbellularia californica f. pendula (Rehder)
- Litsea californica ((Hook. & Arn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks.)
- Umbellularia californica var. fresnensis (Eastw.)
- Tetranthera californica (Hook. & Arn.)
- Persea causticans (Pasq.)
- Drimophyllum pauciflorum (Nutt.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Feb 6, 2021 by Bradley Soares (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Jesse Domichel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Chirag Kathrani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Carlos Beltran (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 26, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Jordan Toms (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by harry thorley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by harry thorley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by stefan auzenou (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Habit
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Martina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 21, 2020 by David David shields (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Broken Promises (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Mar 20, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by WoodDude (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by stefan auzenou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2021 by D D (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371727)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30189264-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.4
Ph minimum: 5.7