California laurel
Umbellularia californica
- Lauraceae
- Dicot
- Perennial
- Tree, Shrub
- ≈ 80 ft tall
About California laurel
California laurel is a real treasure for your garden. This handsome native shrub or small tree grows right here and belongs in our landscapes. Birds and other wildlife absolutely love it for food and shelter. The leaves are beautiful and glossy, and if you brush against them, you'll notice a wonderful fragrance that's been treasured for generations. It's a plant that gives back to your local ecosystem while looking lovely doing it.
The good news is that California laurel is tough and forgiving. It does best in a spot with decent drainage and doesn't need much fussing once it's established. Water it regularly when it's young, then you can back off as it matures. This is a perennial that rewards your patience with years of beauty. Plant one and watch it thrive.