|
| 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
|
family 
