California Bay Laurel

Umbellularia californica

Also known as Oregon Myrtle, Pepperwood, California Laurel, Headache Tree

At a glance

Family

Lauraceae (laurel family)

Type

Evergreen tree

Parts used

Leaves, nuts

Size

20 to 80 feet tall in the wild, often kept smaller as a garden shrub or hedge

Bloom

Small clusters of pale yellow-green flowers, late winter into early spring

Habitat

Canyons, streambanks, and mixed forests along the coast and foothills of California and southern Oregon

Acquisition

Forage or buy

Traditional remedies in HerbSense

Key benefits

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Traditionally eased head congestion

Bold flavor for warm dishes

Traditionally soothed colds

Leaves naturally repel pests

Traditional uses

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Long before it appeared in California kitchens, this tree was a trusted companion to the region's Native peoples. The Pomo, Yuki, and Karuk, among others, held crushed leaves to the nose to help clear a stuffy head, brewed a light leaf tea for colds and upset stomachs, and warmed aching joints with the foliage. The oily nuts were roasted, ground, and eaten as a nourishing food, sometimes brewed as a coffee-like drink. Today the tree is best known for its leaf, a cousin to the Mediterranean bay leaf but considerably bolder, which still flavors soups, stews, and braises across the West Coast.

How to grow & use it

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✦ Growing guide
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Pairs well with

✦Mediterranean bay laurel
✦Rosemary
✦Sage

Substitutes

✦Mediterranean bay leaf (use about half as much)
✦Juniper berry

Choose it when

“When your kitchen wants the forest's boldest bay leaf, or your tea wants a whisper of California history.”

Did you know?

The crushed leaves release a compound called umbellulone that can trigger a sudden, sharp headache or a fit of sneezing in some people on contact, which is exactly how this tree earned the nickname "headache tree," even as Native Californians made careful, traditional use of that same pungent aroma to clear a stuffy head.

Safety

The leaves and their essential oil are strong enough to trigger sudden headaches or nasal irritation when crushed and inhaled, so use it sparingly, especially if you're prone to migraines. It is much more potent than culinary bay leaf, and the whole leaf should be removed before eating since it does not soften and can scratch or choke.