california bay

California Bay
Umbellularia californica

california bay

Umbellularia californica
Large shrub or tree up to 100 feet tall and
wide, rarely grows to these dimensions.

Shape/Size
Large shrub or tree up to 100 feet tall and wide, rarely grows to these dimensions in Los Angeles County.

Leaves
Long narrow leaves 2 to 5 inches long are quite pungent when crushed.

Flower/Fruit
Minute yellow-green flowers bloom December to May. Fruit is a purple drupe about 1 inch long.

Range
Locally common plant in mountain canyons, often a part of chaparral and oak woodland communities.

Flammability - Moderate.

Maintenance
Recommend removal of dead material and pruning to lift the canopy off the ground.