California laurel, Californian Bay Tree, Pepper-nut, Headache Tree, Balm of heaven, Cajeput tree, Californian olive, Mountain laurel, Sassafras laurel, Spice bush, California nutmeg
Umbellularia californica
Family: Lauraceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 30 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is dark grey and cracks into rectangle shaped plates. The leaves are oblong and 10 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They do not have teeth. The leaves are bright green or deep yellow-green. The flowers are 1 cm across. They do not have petals but have 6 green sepals. The flowers occur in clusters of up to 10. They are in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a rounded or egg shaped berry. It is 2.5 cm long and green but ripens to deep purple.
There is only one Umbellularia species.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It is native to S.W. United States. It grows in evergreen forests and in valleys. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The crushed leaves give off a poisonous vapour. This can produce headaches. The leaves are used to flavour soups, stews and meat dishes. They are sold as a substitute for sweet bay leaf. The fruit are eaten raw or boiled. The nuts are parched and eaten or ground into flour for bread. The bark of the roots is sometimes used as a coffee substitute.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds, leaves - flavouring, bark - coffee
How it is grown
It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
California rose.