Plant species

bay laurel Laurus nobilis

Lauraceae

Species information

Description

An evergreen shrub or tree with leathery aromatic leaves and small yellow-green flowers. An evergreen Mediterranean shrub or small tree with aromatic leathery leaves, native to warm coastal habitats and widely cultivated.

Plant traits

Growth form

shrub

Life cycle

perennial

Height

200–1000 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

coastal habitats · shrubland · forest edge

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich · neutral

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Bay leaves are rich in aromatic essential oils and have been used as a culinary spice since antiquity.

LifeSystems

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