Umbellularia californica

California Bay, also known as Oregon myrtle, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests and canyons of California and Oregon. This fascinating tree is deeply rooted in the history of its native region and is valued for its culinary, aromatic leaves, edible nuts, and luxurious lumber. The leaves of California Bay can be used much like its cousin, the Mediterranean bay laurel, and have a complex, savory, and peppery flavor with a light camphorous quality. Being related to the common Avocado, California Bay produces one inch round fruit with large pits that can be boiled, roasted, and enjoyed as a savory edible nut.

Trees are large, often growing to reach fifty feet in height or more, and have attractive smooth, gray trunks and dark green, lanceolate leaves that have shimmering, silvery undersides. In the late winter or early spring, small yellow-green flowers appear in clusters, followed by single-seeded, olive-like fruits that mature in the fall. California Bay prefers abundant moisture but is adaptable from heavy shade to full sun.

Cold hardy to USDA zones 7a and above, or to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

For sale are one gallon potted plants.