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Care and Growth of
Bay Laurel
Laurus Nobilis
Bay laurel is a tree native to the Mediterranian region, making these
good choices for low water gardens.
Dried bay leafs are used in cooking and the pantry. A bay
leaf can be added to spagetti sauces, stews or soups for flavor.
Other names for this fragrant plant are Sweet Bay and Grecian
Laurel.
A crown of bay is worn by the Roman god Apollo and conquering heroes
wore wreaths upon returning to Rome in victory.
Sweet bay can grow into a tree 40 feet tall. The leafs are dark
green and up to 4 inches long and 2 inches across.
Bay can tolerate low water and the garden and poor soils. They
like full sun to part shade. Although in hot areas they benefit
from a bit of shade during the day. They are hardy to 20 degrees.
These are compact plants and grow slowly. Mature plants flower in
clusters of yellow blooms which turn into small berries.
This is also the bay leaf of culinary fame. Dried bay leaves are
added to spagetti and other sauces, soups and stews. Leafs are
also kept in kitchen cabinets to protect grain from pests.
California Bay or Umbellularia californica is a similar plant and is
native to California.
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