- Umbellularia californica, commonly known as the California bay laurel, Oregon myrtle, or pepperwood, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests of California and southwestern Oregon.
- It belongs to the family Lauraceae, which also includes cinnamon, avocado, and camphor. Known for its aromatic leaves and ecological significance, U. californica is an iconic species of western North America, especially in mixed evergreen and riparian forests. Its adaptability to a variety of soil types and its resilience in diverse climates have made it a dominant species in many parts of its range.
- This tree typically grows between 15 and 30 meters tall, with a dense, rounded crown and smooth gray bark that becomes fissured with age. The leaves are lance-shaped, leathery, and highly fragrant when crushed, releasing a pungent aroma reminiscent of bay leaves but sharper and more intense. This strong scent is due to the presence of umbellulone, a volatile compound that can trigger headaches or sinus irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite this, the leaves have historically been used in small amounts by Indigenous peoples and settlers for medicinal and culinary purposes, though they are not considered a direct substitute for true bay leaves (Laurus nobilis).
- Umbellularia californica produces small yellowish-green flowers in clusters during late winter to early spring. These are followed by olive-like fruits—green drupes that mature into purplish-brown. The fruits, sometimes called “California bay nuts,” contain a single large seed. Native peoples of California roasted and ground these seeds into a nutritious paste or beverage, making the tree an important food source. The hard, attractive wood of the species, often marketed as “Oregon myrtle” or “California laurel,” is prized for fine woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects due to its beautiful grain and durability.
- Ecologically, U. californica plays an important role in its native habitats. Its dense canopy provides shade and shelter for wildlife, while its fruits are consumed by birds, squirrels, and other animals, aiding in seed dispersal. The species thrives in both moist riparian areas and drier upland slopes, contributing to its wide distribution across California’s coastal and Sierra Nevada ranges. However, it is also a known host of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen responsible for sudden oak death, a disease that has devastated oak populations across California. This association has made U. californica both ecologically significant and a focal point of plant pathology research.
- In cultural and practical contexts, Umbellularia californica has a long history of human use. Indigenous peoples employed its leaves as insect repellents, analgesics for headaches and toothaches, and for spiritual cleansing rituals. The roasted seeds were a seasonal delicacy and trade item. Today, the tree continues to be valued for its ornamental qualities in landscaping, its aromatic foliage, and its high-quality wood. However, due to its strong aroma and the physiological effects of umbellulone, its use in cooking remains limited compared to true bay laurel.
