Bay laurel

Profile

Family

Lauraceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

12 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

slow

Lifespan

100 years

First yield

after 6 years

Hardiness

zone 8–11

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

6 – 8.5

Synonyms

Lorbeer

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Blätter – frisch oder getrocknet. Lorbeerblätter sind ein würziges, aromatisches Gewürz und werden häufig zum Würzen von Suppen, Eintöpfen usw. verwendet und sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Kräutermischung „Bouquet Garni“. Die Blätter können frisch verwendet oder im Sommer geerntet und getrocknet werden. Frisch getrocknete, zerkleinerte oder geraspelte Blätter haben einen intensiveren Geschmack als frische Blätter, sollten aber nicht länger als ein Jahr gelagert werden, da sie sonst ihr Aroma verlieren. Die getrockneten Früchte werden als Aroma verwendet. Aus den getrockneten Blättern wird Kräutertee aufgebrüht. Das aus den Blättern gewonnene ätherische Öl wird als Lebensmittelaroma verwendet. Die Ausbeute kann zwischen 1 und 3 % Öl variieren.

Medicinal: The laurel tree has a long tradition in folk medicine, being used to treat various ailments, especially aiding digestion and for conditions like bronchitis and flu. It has also been used in the treatment of different types of cancer. While the fruits and leaves are typically not ingested internally, they have been historically used for issues such as hysteria, amenorrhea, bloating, and colic. Reports suggest that the leaves are primarily used for upper respiratory conditions and to alleviate arthritic pain. The laurel tree has a calming effect on the stomach, stimulates appetite, and enhances the production of digestive juices. Its leaves have various properties such as antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic in high doses, menstruation-inducing, narcotic, parasiticidal, stimulating, and stomach-strengthening. The fruit also possesses antiseptic, aromatic, digestive, narcotic, and stimulating properties. An infusion of the laurel tree is used to boost appetite and as a menopausal aid. The fruit is utilized in the production of carminative medicines and historically for inducing abortions. The fatty oil from the fruit is applied externally for treating sprains, bruises, and sometimes used as ear drops for pain relief. The essential oil from the leaves has narcotic, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities.

Other uses: Agroforestry Use: Laurel trees can be utilized as hedges or privacy screens due to their dense foliage and aromatic leaves. They can also provide shade in agroforestry systems. The essential oil from the fruits is used in soap production. The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, aiming to protect neighboring plants from insects and health issues. The strongly aromatic leaves can serve as insect repellents, safeguarding stored grains, beans, etc., from weevils. Laurel is also employed as a scattering herb due to its aromatic scent and antiseptic properties. Being highly tolerant of pruning, laurel trees can be grown as privacy screens or hedges in suitable outdoor cultivation areas. The wood emits a sweet fragrance and is durable, commonly used in marquetry, walking sticks, and fire-starting friction sticks. 1. Nectar - Nectar-rich and pollen-rich flowers: Yes - Laurel trees produce small yellow-green flowers that provide nectar and pollen, attracting bees and other pollinators. 2. Wildlife - Food (fruits, seeds, leaf litter, shelter, nesting site, roosting place): Yes - The dense foliage offers protection to birds and small animals. Birds can feed on the berries (though inedible to humans). The tree's leaf litter can support beneficial insects and soil organisms. 3. Protection for Invertebrates (overwintering sites, leaf litter, ground cover): Yes - The rough bark and leaf litter of the laurel tree can provide overwintering sites for invertebrates. Its dense evergreen leaves offer excellent protection throughout the year. 4. Pest Confuser (scent): Yes - Laurel leaves emit a strong aromatic scent that can deter some pests and act as a pest confuser.

Growing

Thrives in various soil types, including moderately fertile and well-drained soil with good moisture retention. It can also adapt to dry soils and light shade. The plant is somewhat wind resistant but dislikes extreme exposure to maritime conditions or cold dry winds. Not fully frost-resistant everywhere and may need protection during harsh winters. Typically hardy to around -5°C when dormant, with occasional drops to -15°C, which might cause defoliation but usually recovers in late spring to summer. The Laurus nobilis angustifolia (Syn 'Salicifolia') variety is hardier with similar aromatic qualities. Bay trees are prized for their ornamental value and culinary use of their leaves. Some cultivated forms are available. When crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant aromatic fragrance. Highly resilient to pests and diseases, including honey fungus. Revered since ancient times, the bay tree was associated with Apollo, symbolizing light, peace, and victory. It was traditionally used to create wreaths for dignitaries. Dioecious plant requiring both male and female specimens for seed production.

Propagation

Seed should be sown in early autumn in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Transfer the seedlings to individual pots once they are big enough and keep them in the greenhouse for at least a year. Move them to their permanent spots in early summer, providing some protection during their first winter outdoors. For cuttings, take half-ripe wood in July or August in a frame, which may take about 6 months to root. Alternatively, use mature side shoots of 10-12cm with a heel in November or December in a cold frame, leaving them for 18 months for a high success rate. Layering is also an option for propagation.

Origin & habitat

Feuchte Felsen und Schluchten, Dickichte und alte Mauern.

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