Bay Leaf Tree – Laurus nobilis

Plant family: Lauraceae

Plant origin: Mediterranean

Fruit description: Small black berries about 1 cm long.

Flowers: Bay Leaf Trees have separate Male and Female plants. Each flower is pale yellow-green, about 1 cm in diameter, and occur in pairs beside a leaf. The fruit are small black berries about 1 cm long.

Growing conditions: Bay leaf Trees are an evergreen plant which is frost hardy and can also withstand hot, dry periods.

Uses: The Bay Leaf Tree is not only used for its fresh or dried leaves, it is also used for its essential oils processed from its leaves, and its berry fruit is used as a spice.

Medicinal uses: Extracts of Bay leaves can be used as a diuretic, and as an astringent. Essential oil produced from Bay leaves, is reputed to relieve arthritis and rheumatism and is used in massage oils. These essential oils are used in aromatherapy to relieve earache and high blood pressure. The leaves and oil can be used as an insect repellent. Bay leaves can be used as a poultice to relieve rashes and skin irritations.

Pollination requirements: Bay Leaf Trees have separate Male and Female plants. Each flower is pale yellow-green, about 1 cm in diameter, and occur in pairs beside a leaf. The fruit are small black berries about 1 cm long.

Harvest time The Harvest season for the leaves is all year. You can harvest leaves straight away from a young plant. Start with the lower leaves.

Plant relatives

Special features: The ancient Greeks made wreaths of Bay leaves to award great efforts in sport or battle. The phrase “Resting on your laurels” refers to a person who refrains from further effort after being given an award. The wood of the tree is burnt to give a flavorsome smoke used for the smoking of foods. The Bay Leaf Tree is a very long lived tree.

Grown by method: Cutting Grown Pot size: 100mm

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 2 metres high by 1.5 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 6 metres high by 3 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 100mm