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Umbellularia californica

California Bay , Oregon Myrtle

Plant photo of: Umbellularia californica
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Greg Applegate

 

Description

The California Bay is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub that slowly reaches 30'-60' high. It tolerates full sun in coastal areas but prefers afternoon shade in warm, inland areas and moderate amount of water. Use foliage for cooking. Yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by purple, inedible fruit.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

40-60'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

Brown, Red

Fruit Color

Purple

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Mediterranean, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Patio, Street Tree

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.