species 19,955 observations
Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
Field notes
Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous (smooth) leaves. Common names include bay tree (especially in the United Kingdom), bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecian laurel, or simply laurel.
It is in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The stem can be 1 metre in diameter and the tree can be as high as 20 metres. Native to the Mediterranean region, Laurus nobilis figures prominently in classical Greco-Roman culture and served various medicinal, religious, and symbolic purposes. Bay leaves are widely used as seasoning in cooking.
Worldwide, many other kinds of plants in diverse families are also called "bay" or "laurel", generally due to similarity of foliage or aroma to Laurus nobilis.
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Caterpillars
Moths and butterflies raised on it
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Promethea Silkmoth, Tulip-tree Silkmoth, Omnivorous Platynota Moth
7
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Hosted animals
Gall makers, leaf miners and other animals living on or in it
Small Gooseberry Sawyer
1
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Plant eaters
Animals that feed on it
Mallard, Common Raven, Eurasian Jackdaw, Redpoll
10
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Flower visitors
Pollinators and other flower visitors
Red Mason Bee, Variable Duskyface Fly
2
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Sheltered animals
Animals that nest or roost in it
Parasitoid Wasp
1
Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Trees
- Light
- Full sun Part shade
- Moisture
- Dry Well drained Wet
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Resists
- Diseases Insect pests Poor soil
- Plant type
- Perennial Tree Edible Herb Houseplant
From NC State Extension and USDA PLANTS.