Umbellularia
( um - BELL - yew - lah - ree - ah )
At-A-Glance Information
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Commonly called California Bay, California Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, Headache Tree or Pepperwood, this genus 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 to them. 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. The genus includes just one species, Umbellularia californica (previously known as Oreodaphne californica) and is a member of the plant family Lauraceae. California Bay trees grow well in zones 4-9 and 14-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
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Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as sustained inhalation of the plant's oils (from crushed leaves) can cause headaches, and touching crushed leaves can cause rash. If used in cooking, make sure to remove leaves before serving so that they are not consumed.
Caring for and pruning umbellularia Trees
Plant these easy-care trees in either full sun or partial shade. They serve as great hedge plants, and can go a long way in helping to secure hills prone to erosion. These trees are slow to establish, but after they have formed a good root system, they grow relatively quickly, putting on about four feet of growth each season. These trees prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (with a pH of between 5.0 and 8.0). They prefer loamy, sandy, or clay soils and are somewhat drought-tolerant at maturity, though drought conditions can cause some dieback if long-lasting. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Water new plantings regularly to help them establish a great, strong root system. Once established, trees do not need supplemental waterings except during extended droughts when they appreciate deep waterings.
Pruning these trees is simple; they have a natural handsome branching structure and habit. Prune in late winter or early springtime, before new growth pushes out for the year. At this time, remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches and open up the canopy. These trees can be trained as hedges with occasional shaping and pruning, as well. Established trees do not need fertilization, but they do benefit from a feeding with organic compost every year in springtime to support soil health and structure. If trees seem to be struggling, they may benefit from a feeding with a 0-20-0 fertilizer (one high in phosphorus). This type of fertilizer can also be very helpful for assisting trees in establishing a strong root system when they are young. During each growing season of the first couple of years in the ground, fertilize at least once.
Pruning these trees is simple; they have a natural handsome branching structure and habit. Prune in late winter or early springtime, before new growth pushes out for the year. At this time, remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches and open up the canopy. These trees can be trained as hedges with occasional shaping and pruning, as well. Established trees do not need fertilization, but they do benefit from a feeding with organic compost every year in springtime to support soil health and structure. If trees seem to be struggling, they may benefit from a feeding with a 0-20-0 fertilizer (one high in phosphorus). This type of fertilizer can also be very helpful for assisting trees in establishing a strong root system when they are young. During each growing season of the first couple of years in the ground, fertilize at least once.
Propagation
California Laurel trees are best propagated using cuttings; seed propagation is possible, though it is an unreliable, sometimes frustrating process, and requires a lot of patience and work. To propagate your California laurel, follow these instructions:
Propagating Umbellularia by Cutting
Propagating Umbellularia by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Problems and Pests
These trees are unfortunately hosts of the fungus-like pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death (SOD). In addition, they can be affected by the following issues:
- Beetle Borers
- Leaf Blotch Miner
- Thrips
- Cushion Scale
- Honey Fungus
- Armillaria Rot
- Anthracnose
- White Mottled Rot
Gallery
These trees have beautiful branching structure and bark when mature.
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Umbellularia trees are quite large, and are perfect for parks, schools, and other public landscapes.
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Foliage is green, and flowers are produced from November through May.
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California Laurel produces very fragrant flowers.
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Leaves from these trees can be used as a substitute for Bay Leaves when cooking.
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California Laurel fruits are small, and contain one seed each.
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Videos
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A quick video about these great landcape trees.
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How to identify these California native trees.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 643, Umbellularia californica
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