Laurus nobilis
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Laurus nobilis

sweet bay
true laurel
bay tree
bay laurel
poet's laurel

  family lauraceae 
  genus laurus 

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Identification
Genus  Laurus Species  nobilis Variety  Cultivar  Common names  sweet bay   true laurel   bay tree   bay laurel   poet's laurel Family  LAURACEAE Specimen number  S11393 Data source  HtZn p132;MedPl p224;Frgnt p210
 
Life cycle
Life form  Terrestrial Life cycle  Various Life span    Annual cycle  Not applicable Stature  Various Growth form  Not applicable Growth habit  Various Overall height  40' Overall spread   
 
Climate
Sunshine  Full sun to light shade Water  Well drained Optimal soil texture  Various Acceptable soil pH  Neutral USDA hardiness  USDA zones 08a-11 AHS heat zones  Heat zones 12-07 Sunset climate zones  Not classified
 
Garden
Suitable for gardens  yes Nursery  Unknown Compost  no Size at acquisition  Unknown Garden location  Unknown Garden notes  Insect are safely and naturally kept away by this plant. The leaves of Laurus nobilis have a strongly resinous aroma. Sweet bay (also known as poet's laurel, bay laurel, true laurel and bay tree) can survive cold winter nights that go as low as 10� Fahrenheit. This plant needs summer days with high heat. Full sun to light shade is ideal for this species. It usually does best in well drained soils.
 
Special qualities
Tolerates drought  no Tolerates high humidity  no Tolerates seaside conditions  no Insect resistant  no Disease resistant  no Deer resistant  no Best uses    Symbiosis  Attracts butterflies  no Attracts hummingbirds  no Autumn foliage  no Colorful berries  no Desirable qualities  Insect repellant Other interest    Other interest color  Other interest period   
 
Adverse factors
Common pests  Poisonous parts  Poisonous indications  The essential oil taken internally may cause an allergic reaction. Internal poison  no Dermatologic poison  yes Livestock poison  no Mechanical injury  no Hay fever pollen    Hay fever season    Adverse qualities   
 
Herbal medicine
Medicinal properties  antiarthritic   digestive tonic   emmenagogue Medicinal parts  Leaves   Essential oil Has medicinal uses  yes Do not self-administer  no Do no use if pregnant  no Legally restricted  no Toxicity precautions  Do not take essential oil internally. Medicinal notes  Laurus nobilis is most often used as seasoning. Sweet bay (sometimes called poet's laurel, bay laurel, true laurel and bay tree) is used as a traditional herbal remedy. It's used as an antiarthritic, a digestive tonic and an emmenagogue. The leaves and the essential oil are used in herbal preparations. Do not take essential oil internally.
 
Traditional uses
Parts used  Traditional uses  Contemporary uses  Fragrance  very aromatic leaves Fragrance parts  Leaves Fragrance intensity  Strong Fragrance category  Resinous Dye parts  Dye color 
 
Cultivation
Propagule  Various Pollination method    Planting style    Crop spacing    Row spacing    Cold frame  Planting period    Harvesting period    Frost tolerance    Heat requirement    Fertilizer  Typical Time to harvest 
 
Nutrition
Is edible  yes Culinary uses  Seasoning Nutritional value  Edible parts  Leaves Description of edible parts Flavor / texture 
 
Horticulture
Horticulture notes  Laurus nobilis is thought to originate from Mediterranean.
 
Herbarium
Tag needs printing  no Collection notes 

Page 2582 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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