Sweet Bay Laurel

Sweet Bay Laurel

5 Gallon / Multi
$54.90
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Sweet Bay Laurel
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Sweet Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis

Culinary Bay Leaf Source • Versatile Topiary or Hedge Plant • Drought-Tolerant & Deer Resistant

$54.90

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Sweet Bay Laurel

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Description

Sweet Bay Laurel is the legendary culinary and historical tree, source of the bay leaves used in kitchens worldwide. This versatile evergreen can be grown as a large shrub, small tree, or formal topiary. Its dense, aromatic foliage is both ornamental and practical, making it a must-have for herb gardens and Mediterranean-style landscapes in the Bay Area.

  • The source of true culinary bay leaves. Its thick, glossy, dark green leaves are harvested and dried for use in soups, stews, and sauces.

  • Can be easily pruned into hedges, topiaries, or maintained as a dense, pyramidal small tree. It is a classic choice for container gardening on patios.

  • Drought tolerant once established and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is deer resistant and adapts well to our Mediterranean climate.

  • Carries immense cultural significance as the tree used to weave victors' crowns in ancient Greece.

  • Note: Female plants produce small, inedible purple berries. For a fruitless option, choose a male cultivar like ‘Saratoga’.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade

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  • Features:Foliage:Oval, leathery leaves (3-4") with smooth margins.Glossy dark green with lighter undersides.Intensely aromatic when crushed.Form:Pyramidal when young, rounded with age.Dense, compact growth.Smooth gray bark
  • Mature Size:Height: 15-25 ft (can be maintained smaller).Width: 10-15 ft
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
  • Key Advantages:Culinary essential (true "bay leaf").Extreme drought tolerance.Deer resistant.Responds well to pruning
  • Landscape Uses:Herb garden centerpiece.Formal topiary.Container gardening.Mediterranean landscapes

Faqs

Q: Are all bay leaves edible from any plant called "laurel"?
A: No, crucial distinction. Only leaves from Sweet Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) are safe for culinary use. Leaves from Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and other ornamental laurels are toxic. Always confirm the botanical name is Laurus nobilis.

Q: How do I harvest and use the leaves?
A: Pick mature, undamaged leaves. For best flavor, dry them for several weeks before using. Use whole leaves in slow-cooked dishes and remove before serving, as they remain stiff even after cooking.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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15 Gallon

15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

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24" Box

24" Box

A substantial tree and shrub size with immediate visual impact. It usually requires a dolly, hand truck or similar equipment for moving, and access should be considered before delivery.

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36" Box

36" Box

A major landscape size for mature trees and high-impact planting. These trees are very heavy and typically require equipment for unloading, positioning and installation.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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