Umbellularia californiaca x Laurus nobilis

Umbellularia californica x Laurus nobilis is a hybrid between California bay tree and Bay Laurel.  It makes a great evergreen shrub or small tree in warmer climates.  I suspect if in frost free climates, it could become a large tree.  It can be used in cooking (I use this instead of bay leaf) but use in moderation.  Its intensity is right in the middle of the 2 parents.  California bay is POTENT! - using the hybrid, I suggest starting out with about 1/5 of the amount of bay leaf you would use.  1 leaf in a large pot of sauce can be over powering.  I love to cut a few green branches and place on coals when grilling steak or chicken - the smoke gives a wonderful flavor to the meat.  Keeping the plant cut back hard will produce a very bushy shrub - plus you can cook with what you prune off!

• HARDINESS: zones 7b-10
• EXPOSURE: part shade to sun
• SIZE:  10-15' as a shrub - much larger as a tree.
• SHIPPING SIZE: 1/2 gallon container.  15-18" plant.