Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Bay Laurel.
Laurus nobilis
Pronounced LAW-rus NO-bi-lis
Also known as Bay, Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf Tree, Grecian laurel, Laurel, Laurel, Bay, Sweet Bay
The Bay Laurel is a classic evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic leaves. It grows slowly and makes a wonderful container plant. It is a staple in many kitchens for its culinary uses.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub or tree
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- bright-indirect
- Water
- Every 5 to 10 days
- Mature size
- 12 to 18 meters
- Growth rate
- slow
- Hardiness
- USDA 8 to 10
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Prune lightly to maintain your desired shape during the growing season.
- Watering
- Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
- Feeding
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing months.
- Pruning
- Trim back long branches to encourage a bushier, denser form.
- Repotting
- Repot into a slightly larger container once the roots fill the current pot.
- Soil
- Well-draining loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 7.5
- Temperature
- -5 to 35°C
- Humidity
- 40 to 60%
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
- Lifespan
- Perennial, can live for over 100 years.
- Fragrance
- strong
- Deer and rabbits
- high
Signs it needs repotting
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
- Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
- Stunted growth during the active season.
Safety
- People
- The leaves are generally safe for culinary use, but the plant is not intended for consumption in large quantities.
- Pets
- The plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion of large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.
- Children
- The stiff, pointed leaves can pose a choking hazard if swallowed whole by small children.
- Contact allergens
- Some individuals may experience dermatitis from contact with the leaves or essential oils.
- Airborne allergens
- The pollen can trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
- Edibility
- While the leaves are a common culinary herb, ensure you are harvesting true Laurus nobilis, as some lookalike plants are toxic.
How to identify it
- Glossy dark green leathery leaves
- Aromatic foliage when crushed
- Small yellow flowers in spring
- Oval shaped dark purple berries
- Dense upright growth habit
- Height
- 2 to 12m
- Spread
- 1.5 to 5m
- Leaves
- dark green, evergreen
- Flowers
- yellow, 1cm
- Fruit
- black, purple, Autumn
Common problems
- Scale insects — Small sap sucking insects that appear as bumps on stems and leaves.
- Leaf spot — Fungal infection causing dark spots on foliage often due to poor air circulation.
Growing it
- Propagation
- cuttings, seed
- When to plant
- Spring, Autumn
- Overwintering
- Move containers to a sheltered, frost free location if you live in a cold climate. Keep the soil barely moist throughout the winter months.
- In containers
- It is excellent for containers, requiring a pot at least 12 to 18 inches wide to accommodate its root system.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone.
- Place in a pot with moist, sandy soil.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.
Pair with Mediterranean herbs that appreciate the same well drained soil and sun exposure.
Grows well with
Similar species
- California Bay — It has similar aromatic leaves but is a different species entirely.
- Cherry Laurel — Often confused due to leaf shape, but this plant is toxic.
Science
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Genus
- Laurus
- Order
- Laurales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Native range
- Mediterranean region.
- Conservation
- It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild populations in parts of its native range are protected.
It grows as an understory tree in moist, sheltered Mediterranean woodlands.
- Value to wildlife
- nectar source, shelter for small insects
- Pollinators
- bees, butterflies
- Uses
- culinary herb, ornamental topiary, hedging, fragrant foliage
Through the year
Ecological indicators
- Salinity
- 3/9
- Soil reaction
- 6/9
- Light
- 7/9
- Temperature
- 6/9
- Moisture
- 5/9
- Nutrients
- 5/9
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Questions people ask
- Can I grow bay laurel in a pot?
- Yes, it thrives in containers and is often kept as a topiary.
- How often should I water it?
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Where the name comes from
The name Laurus nobilis translates from Latin to noble laurel, reflecting its historical status as a symbol of honor.
Good to know
- The term baccalaureate comes from the Latin for laurel berry.
- Bay leaves are more flavorful when dried than when fresh.
- It is a slow growing evergreen that can live for over a century.
- The leaves contain essential oils that are used in perfumery.
Is your bay laurel looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.