Plant Details

Umbellularia californica

California Laurel

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Umbellularia californica.

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General Information

Scientific name: Umbellularia californica
Also known as: California Laurel

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Large
Height: 25.00 m
Width: 10.00 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-10
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Seed
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(2)
Features:
Dye, Essential oil, Incense, Repellent, Wood, Fragrant

Description

Cooking seeds can be roasted, ground, and used as grain flour for bread. Roasting or drying the seeds releases a bitter flavor. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves serve as a spice in cooked dishes. They have an intense flavor and can replace bay leaves. The leaves can be used to flavor soups and stews, and they can also be brewed into tea. Additionally, a coffee substitute can be made from the bark.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 00/00
End of Harvest: 00/00

Crown Data

Crown Type: Broad ovoid
Crown Density: Dense crown