Science · Specimen Trees
California Bay
Aromatic California and Oregon native tree of woodlands and moist ravines; not the Mediterranean culinary bay, Laurus nobilis.
Umbellularia californica · Evergreen tree
Profile
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Large broad-crowned tree; allow room away from buildings
- Foliage
- Crushed leaves have a strong, potentially irritating aroma
- Ecology
- Foliar host of the sudden oak death pathogen; proximity to susceptible oaks matters
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; depends on soil texture
- Salinity tolerance
- Not reliably characterized for this catalog label; avoid saline irrigation and diagnose with soil/water testing.
- Drought tolerance
- Established trees tolerate seasonal dryness; young trees need establishment water.
Optimal root measurement depth
8–18 in
Most absorbing tree roots live in the upper 12–18 inches, out toward the drip line. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.
Deep, infrequent irrigation during establishment; mature trees on moist sites need less supplemental water. Avoid chronically saturated roots.
Problems to watch
- Sudden oak death pathogen carriage
- Scale insects and sooty mold
- Root disease in poorly drained sites
Stress signs
- Persistent canopy thinning
- Yellowing leaves outside normal turnover
- Branch-tip dieback
Where you'll find it
- Woodland habitat
- Large landscape shade
More specimen trees
Coast Live OakSouthern Live OakDate Palm (Medjool)Canary Island Date PalmCoast RedwoodJapanese Maple
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.