134955 Californian Laurel Umbellularia californica (Lauraceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Dense evergreen with a domed crown and similar foliage to Bay. BARK Grey and cracked. BRANCHES Much-divided. LEAVES Similar to Bay but typically narrower and paler green or yellowish-green. Crushed leaves give off a stronger scent than those of Bay, which can induce painful headaches and nausea in some people. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Yellowish flowers grow in small, dense, rounded clusters and fruits are rounded and greenish, ripening to purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of W coast of North America, cultivated in milder parts of our region where some fine trees exist.
