California may be best known for our redwoods, Douglas-firs, and other lofty trees, but we also have a number of small to medium-sized species that also deserve attention. The California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is a great example that’s not only native but a fine ornamental tree for many properties.
Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this species. Hopefully, this will help you decide if one would be good for your property or ensure you can provide proper care to any already growing in your yard.
The California Bay Laurel: The Basics
While the California laurel (as it is sometimes called) does have a few unique features, it’s also a fairly typical tree in some other respects.
California Bay Laurel Description
The California bay laurel is usually rather small in landscape settings, generally growing to heights of about 25 to 50 feet. However, it can reach up to 100 feet tall in ideal settings. It can grow as a single-trunked tree, but multi-stemmed varieties are not uncommon.
It’s covered in lance-shaped leaves, measuring up to 6 inches in length, and it bears small, yellowish-green flowers in the spring. It produces small, round fruit that is sometimes called a California bay nut. Both the tree’s leaves and its smooth bark are quite fragrant, though they have been known to trigger reactions when touched by sensitive individuals.
As with the unrelated European bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), the California laurel’s leaves are sometimes used as a flavoring agent. However, extreme caution is warranted, as these leaves contain large quantities of the toxic compound umbellulone.
California Bay Laurel Classification
The California bay laurel is the only species in its genus, without any close relatives. It is a member of the laurel family, which includes a number of well-known species, such as the avocado (Persea americana), cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum), and, of course, the European bay laurel.
In addition to California bay laurel and California laurel, this tree is also called the pepperwood, spicebush, and headache tree by some. The last name is a reference to the effects the leaves’ toxic compounds can trigger.
California Bay Laurel Habitat and Range
The California laurel ranges up and down the Pacific coast from San Diego to Oregon. It’s even become naturalized in Washington State, despite not being historically native to that area. The bulk of its range hugs the coastline, but it is also found growing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
It grows in a variety of habitats, including redwood forests, yellow pine forests, and oak woodlands. Though it’s a moderately drought-tolerant tree, it is often most common near riparian areas. It’s quite shade-tolerant, so it thrives under the canopies of other trees.
California Bay Laurels and Fire
Wildfires can have a significant impact on these trees, as the oil content of their leaves makes them quite flammable (something homeowners should consider before planting them). However, they resprout readily following fire, with some individuals producing large swollen trunk areas known as lignotubers, which help protect dormant buds for resprouting.
How to Care for Your California Bay Laurels: A California Homeowner’s Guide
For the most part, California bay laurels are hardy trees that tend to thrive in Bay Area landscapes. However, they can be tricky to establish, so it’s always wise to have them professionally installed if you are considering planting new ones on your property.
Nevertheless, there are a few things you can and should do to give them the best chance at living a long, healthy life and looking their best.
1. Add Mulch Beneath the Canopy
Like most trees, California laurels will strongly benefit from a layer of mulch placed beneath their canopy. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and contribute organic matter to the soil. Just be sure to apply the mulch properly; it should be 2 to 4 inches thick and kept away from the trunk to prevent decay problems.
2. Protect the Root Zone
It’s important to protect your tree’s roots from damage, as this can compromise its structural integrity and prevent the tree from obtaining the resources it needs. Mulch will help protect surface roots from mowers, string trimmers, and foot traffic, but also use care to avoid digging or trenching in close proximity to the tree.
3. Provide Extra Water When Needed
Established, mature California bay laurels are relatively drought-tolerant and will usually survive without much supplemental water. However, newly planted trees do require plenty of water during the first few years following transplantation. Always try to water them in a manner that minimizes the amount of runoff water produced.
4. Fertilize Your Trees Appropriately
You can fertilize your California bay laurel periodically to help ensure it has all of the nutrients it needs and grows vigorously, but you must do so carefully for the best results. Rather than indiscriminately adding fertilizer, always conduct a soil test first, and then select a fertilizer that addresses the specific deficiencies present in the soil.
5. Monitor Your Trees Carefully
Another task that’s important to do for all trees is regular inspections, which help you spot the earliest signs of trouble so that you can take whatever corrective actions are necessary. Be sure to check the entire tree, including visible roots, the trunk, and the rest of the canopy. If you notice any problems, contact an ISA-certified arborist at once.
Trimming & Pruning California Bay Laurels in California
Pruning your California bay laurel will help ensure it remains healthy and safe. A few important times to carry out pruning include:
- During the first 10 years of its life. Pruning your California laurel early helps to impart good form and structure. This can help eliminate future problems, such as poor branch junctions and codominant leaders.
- Every three to five years during its maturity. You’ll want to have the crown “cleaned” periodically by a certified arborist. This involves the routine removal of dead, dying, diseased, decayed, or damaged limbs.
- Any time you notice hazardous limbs. It’s also important to have your trees pruned any time you notice a limb or condition that may present a safety hazard.
Additionally, California bay laurels may require routine canopy-thinning. This involves the selective removal of branches within the tree’s canopy to promote better airflow and light penetration. It also helps to prevent structural problems from developing, which could lead to branch failure.
Bear in mind that while homeowners and property managers may be able to prune small California laurels, you’ll need professional help to prune large trees.
Common California Bay Laurel Problems in California
California bay laurels are generally pretty hardy trees that don’t present many problems for landowners. However, there are a few issues that are worth recognizing.
- Shallow Root Systems: California bay laurels produce widely spreading roots that may damage sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and underground utilities when planted too close to structures.
- Dense Canopies: The naturally thick canopies of these trees can reduce light penetration and airflow, increasing the risk of leaf spotting, interior dieback, and storm-related branch failure.
- Size Management: Though often small, some California bay laurels reach larger sizes than were anticipated. This can cause them to encroach on buildings, power lines, and neighboring trees.
- Excessive Leaf Litter: Even though it’s an evergreen species, this tree still sheds leaves — and it does so year-round. The fallen leaves can then clog gutters, drains, and landscape beds if not maintained.
- Drought Stress in Hot Regions: When planted in hot, dry locations outside its natural coastal range, the California bay laurel may experience leaf scorch, premature leaf drop, and reduced vigor.
- Fire Risk: The tree’s aromatic, oil-rich leaves and dense branching make it hazardous in fire-prone regions, especially during long periods of extreme drought.
- Poor Branch Structure: Multi-stem growth, crossing branches, and included bark are common in neglected trees, increasing the likelihood of limb failure over time.
There is one other significant problem associated with California bay laurels: They can serve as a host for Phytophthora ramorum — the pathogen that causes sudden oak death.
The bay laurels themselves don’t usually suffer any health effects from the fungus, but they can spread the disease to any oaks in the vicinity. So, if you already have a number of oaks on your property, you may want to consider selecting another species or even having existing California bay laurels removed.
If you’re uncertain, consult an ISA-certified arborist for advice.
Signs Your California Bay Laurel May Require Removal
Despite the best efforts of homeowners and property managers, some California bay laurels develop problems that’ll necessitate removal. So, be sure to monitor your trees carefully for the following signs:
- Large cracks: Cracks indicate that the wood of a tree is already failing, even if the affected branch remains intact. Cracks commonly occur near narrow, V-shaped branch junctions and should be addressed immediately.
- Hollows: Hollows are often associated with extensive amounts of internal decay, which may compromise the tree’s structural integrity and predispose it to breakage or windthrow.
- Significant leaf drop: Normal amounts of shed leaves are not a problem, but if you start to notice the canopy thinning or more shed leaves than usual, contact a certified arborist for an evaluation.
- Mushrooms or conks: Mushrooms and conks are indicative of fungal activity in the tree or its root system. Not all fungi are dangerous to the tree, but you’ll need them identified by an arborist to know for sure.
- Shifting soil: Shifting soil can point to problems with the tree’s root system or the soil itself. Both issues indicate a potentially dangerous scenario, so you’ll want to contact an arborist for advice.
- Increased lean: Leaning trees are not always hazardous, especially if they’ve developed the lean over many years. But a sudden change in the angle of the lean is an emergency situation you can’t ignore.
Adney Tree Service: Let Us Care for Your California Bay Laurel
California bay laurels can be magnificent additions to Bay Area properties, and some homeowners and property managers are lucky enough to have naturally growing individuals in their landscapes. But whether you’ve planted one or you’re caring for a wild-growing individual, it’s important to get it the care it requires.
The professionals at Adney Tree Service would love to help. We’ve been providing artisan-caliber tree services for homeowners and property managers in Capitola, Freedom, Scotts Valley, and the rest of the Greater Bay Area for more than 10 years. During this time, we’ve established a reputation for providing unmatched service and unbeatable tree care.
Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.
Sources & References
- Calscape – “Umbellularia californica (California Laurel)”
A regional plant database entry providing species information, native range, habitat preferences, and landscape uses for California laurel.
https://calscape.org/Umbellularia-californica-(California-Laurel) - Oregon State University – “Umbellularia californica — California Laurel”
A professional plant profile detailing characteristics, cultural requirements, and landscape performance of California laurel.
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/umbellularia-californica - USDA NRCS – “Plant Guide for Umbellularia californica (California Bay Laurel)”
A USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service plant guide with authoritative botanical description, distribution, and management considerations for California bay laurel.
https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_umca.pdf
