Plant Details

Laurus nobilis

Bay

Back

Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Laurus nobilis.

Use this plant

Log in to add this plant to your own recipes.

Sign In

General Information

Scientific name: Laurus nobilis
Also known as: Bay

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Small, Medium
Height: 12.00 m
Width: 10.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-10
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Condiment, Tea
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Essential oil, Hedge, Parasiticide, Repellent, Wood

Description

Leaves - fresh or dried. Bay leaves have a spicy, aromatic flavor and are commonly used in soups, stews, and in the herb mixture 'Bouquet Garni.' The leaves can be used fresh or harvested and dried in the summer. The flavor of dried, ground, or finely grated leaves is stronger than that of fresh leaves, but they should not be stored for more than a year, as they will lose their flavor. The dried fruit of the bay laurel is also used as a flavoring. Furthermore, dried leaves are used to make herbal tea, and an essential oil extracted from the leaves is used as a flavoring for food. The yields of this oil can vary from 1 to 3%.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09
End of Harvest: 31/10

Crown Data

Crown Type: Narrow pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown