Umbellularia
California laurel
Habitat:
Found on moist well drained locations in the sun and shade, on bottomlands, hill sides and mountain slopes. From southwestern Oregon south in the Sierra’s and coast range to southern California (Randall et al 1988).
Large evergreen tree 60’ to 100’ tall and 2’ to 5’ in diameter with aromatic foliage, multiple stems when growing in the open, dome shape crown to 15’ high. Leaves persistent, alternate, simple and aromatic, 2 1/2” to 5 1/2” long and 1” wide, elliptical to oblong. Dark green ad shiny above, pale and smooth below. Flowers yellowish, fruit bluish/black 3/4” in diameter, seed large. Bark on young trees smooth and dull greyish brown; on old trees thin, dark reddish brown and scaly (Randall et al 1988).
Map Courtesy of USGS