bay tree

Also known as: bay; bay laurel; poet's laurel; Roman laurel; royal bay; sweet bay; true laurel; victor's laurel

A large, erect, evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, glossy leaves up to 10cm long and 2-4cm wide. Dried or fresh leaves are popular flavouring in meal preparation. Flowers are 5mm small, pale greenish-yellow, in dense clusters. Fruits are oval berries 1.5 cm in diameter, glossy black when ripe

Scientific classification

Species: bay tree (Laurus nobilis)
Genus: Laurus
Family: Lauraceae

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Toxicity: Herbs - Culinary · Shrubs
Plant type: 8-12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

bay tree pictures

Distribution of bay tree

Distribution map

Mediterranean

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of bay tree

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bay tree care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.