Scientific name: Laurus nobilis
Family: LAURACEAE
Common names: “Sweet bay” “Grecian laurel” “Bay tree” “Bay laurel” “poet’s laurel” “Roman laurel” “royal bay” “true laurel” “victor’s laurel”
Plant Type: Evergreen tree or shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 8-10
Light: Full sun – semi shade
Exposure: Shelter from cold winds
Soil: Not fussy, average
Moisture: Moist well drained, tolerates wet conditions
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 40′ W 12′, or shaped to size
Leaf and Stem shape: Erect evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery leaves
Flower: Small, pale greenish-yellow flowers in dense clusters, followed by oval fruit, glossy black when ripe
Pruning: Will break out after being cut back, can use a hedgetrimmer
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Hedging and screening, container plant, herb garden
Propagate: By seed and cuttings
Pests & Disease: Deer will eat the young foliage
Comments: Aromatic evergreen leaves used in cooking
~AGM winner
Cultivars: L. n. ‘Aurea’ ~AGM winner, yellow leaves