Common names for this native tree include bay, California bay, bay laurel, pepperwood, and myrtlewood.

California bay is easily identified by its very aromatic, oblong to lance-shaped leaves.

Small cream-to-yellow flowers are seen during the winter. Small avocado-like green fruits appear in the late summer and ripen to purple-green in the fall.

Stewardship Considerations

California bay laurel can harbor the pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Follow guidelines for preventing SOD if bay trees are close to native oaks. Do not broadcast chips, especially in areas where oaks are present. Clean equipment after working with bay trees.

California bay will re-sprout if cut back. Better results will occur with limbing-up and/or shaping to a multi-trunked or single-trunk tree. It will naturally form clusters of tree trunks when exposed to fire or other disturbances. These clusters can be pruned back by choosing a few main trunks to create a multi-trunked tree.

Right: Fading winter flowers of California bay.

Center: Greenish avocado-like fruits form in summer and ripen in fall. 

Left: Multi-trunked growth of California bay after stump-sprouting.

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Learn more about bay trees from the California Native Plant Society