Umbellularia californica
( um - BELL - yew - lah - ree - ah ka - lih - FORN - ih - kah )
At-A-Glance Information
Commonly called California Bay, California Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, or Pepperwood, this species of evergreen tree is native to southwestern Oregon, the California Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sierra Nevadas. California Bay does well in sun or shade and requires little to regular water. These trees reach 75 feet tall and over 100 feet wide, with green glossy leaves (that sometimes have a yellow hue) that are dark green beneath. Leaves can be substituted for Sweet Bay leaves in cooking, but have a more intense flavor. Flowers are yellow-white and bloom in springtime, followed by inedible purple fruits. California Bay trees grow well in zones 4-9 and 14-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
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Caring for and pruning umbellularia californica Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 643, Umbellularia californica
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