Umbellularia californica
California Bay , Oregon Myrtle
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.