California Bay

Umbellularia californica · Lauraceae (Laurel family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
California Bay

Leaf Morphology

Leaf Type

Simple, evergreen

Shape

Lanceolate to oblong, unlobed

Margin

Entire

Arrangement

Alternate with a short petiole

Venation

Pinnate with a prominent midrib and faint lateral veins

Key Features

Smooth entire margins, leathery texture, lanceolate shape, and prominent yellowish midrib

Description

Large evergreen tree or shrub reaching up to thirty meters tall with dark green foliage, smooth brown bark, small yellowish-green flowers, and round green to purple fruits

Habitat

Canyons, stream banks, and mixed evergreen forests in moist to dry soils under partial shade to full sun

Native Range

Native to coastal and inland mountain ranges of California and Oregon

Identified on 10/15/2026