Umbellaria californica * California Bay

Umbellularia californica is a midsized tree often found in deep canyons and riparian areas. The California Bay has intensely fragrant leaves. They can be substituted for European Bay leaves but you will likely only want to use half as much. The California Bay blooms with yellow flowers in the Spring. Umbellularia californica often spreads by sending up sprouts from its roots. This potentially makes a grove a single plant. Umbellularia californica slowly grows to 40 feet and about half that width. Umbellularia californica can grow in Full Sun to partial shade and persist through a drought.