Narrow-leaved Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Narrow-Leafed Bay Laurel is distinguished by its elongated, slender leaves that are a deep, glossy green. These leaves, set on firm stems, emit a fragrant aroma when crushed or brushed against, a quality that makes it popular in both culinary and ornamental uses. The foliage of this plant tends to be dense, with leaves arranged in an alternating pattern along the stems, creating a rich tapestry of green. The Narrow-Leafed Bay Laurel blooms in the spring, presenting clusters of small yellow flowers that add a subtle but pleasing contrast to the foliage. The flowers eventually give way to small black or dark purple berries. Overall, the plant presents an elegant and tidy appearance, often shaped into topiaries or hedges, and its aromatic leaves have a long history of being used in cooking and traditional medicine.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Narrow-Leaved Bay Laurel, Willow Leaf Laurel
Common names
Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Bay laurel, when used in cooking in small quantities as a flavoring agent, is considered safe for most people. However, consuming large amounts of bay laurel leaves can be toxic. The leaves contain essential oils like eucalyptol which in significant amounts may cause symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. It's essential to keep in mind that the leaves should be removed from dishes before eating as they are tough to digest and can cause mechanical issues in the digestive tract.
To pets
Bay laurel can also be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. The essential oils and compounds in the leaves, which may be palatable in small amounts used for flavoring in cooking, can lead to symptoms of poisoning if your pet eats large amounts of the plant. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and potential damage to the liver. It's crucial to keep bay laurel out of reach of pets and to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Use: The leaves of the bay laurel, commonly known as the bay leaf, are widely used as a seasoning in cooking, imparting a unique flavor and fragrance to a variety of dishes.
- Aromatic: Bay laurel leaves have a distinctive aroma that can be used to enhance the ambience of households and gatherings through their inclusion in potpourris and sachets.
- Ornamental Plant: With its attractive, narrow leaves and dense foliage, bay laurel is often cultivated as an ornamental plant suitable for gardens, hedges, and topiary.
- Symbolism: Traditionally, bay laurel has been a symbol of victory and accomplishment, and it is often used in wreaths and awards at various ceremonies.
- Cultural Significance: The plant has historical importance in many cultures, being used in mythologies, ancient rituals, and various traditional practices.
- Essential Oil: The leaves of the bay laurel can be processed to extract essential oils for use in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cosmetics, offering a pleasant scent.
- Natural Pesticide: Bay laurel leaves are sometimes used as a natural pest repellent against moths, insects, and rodents in stored grains and wardrobes.
- Garden Ecology: Bay laurel can attract bees and other pollinators when it flowers, enhancing garden biodiversity and supporting the growth of nearby plants.
- Durable Wood: The wood of the bay laurel tree is hard and durable, making it useful for various woodworking and craft applications.
- Cultural Practices: Some cultures use bay laurel in traditional practices and celebrations, making it a plant of social and ethnobotanical interest.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Contains compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: Rich in compounds that can neutralize free radicals and may contribute to reducing oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation due to the presence of substances like eugenol.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to help alleviate digestive issues such as flatulence or indigestion.
- Analgesic: Contains components that may provide pain relief for minor aches and pains.
- Expectorant: May help in the management of respiratory conditions by aiding in the clearing of mucus from the airways.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect repellent: The leaves of the bay laurel can be placed in closets or drawers to repel moths, silverfish, and other insects.
- Crafting material: Bay laurel branches and leaves can be used in wreath-making or as decorative elements in floral arrangements.
- Flavoring agent: While commonly used in cooking, the leaves can also be added to potpourri blends for their aromatic properties.
- Meat preservation: Historically, bay leaves were used to help preserve meat before refrigeration by repelling insects and providing antimicrobial benefits.
- Symbolic uses: Bay laurel is a symbol of victory and merit, and is often used in bouquets or offerings for celebrations of success.
- Dye: The leaves of the bay laurel can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Foot soak: Infusing water with bay leaves can create a soothing foot soak that provides a pleasant scent and relaxation.
- Culinary smoking: Dry bay laurel leaves can be used to add flavor when smoking meats or fish.
- Book preservation: Historically, placing bay leaves in books was believed to help protect them from silverfish and insect damage.
- Religious ceremonies: In some cultures, bay laurel leaves are used in religious rituals or as part of offerings due to their cultural significance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Laurus nobilis, more commonly known as Bay Laurel, can be used in Feng Shui to invite positive energy into a space. It is believed to promote success and victory, so placing it in the wealth area (southeast) or the front entrance of a home or business can enhance prosperity and achieve a favorable outcome.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBay Laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Victory: Bay laurel has historically been associated with victory and accomplishments, as ancient Greek and Roman athletes and heroes were crowned with wreaths made from its leaves.
- Wisdom: The plant is linked to wisdom and intelligence, with the ancient Greeks dedicating the bay laurel to Apollo, the god of prophecy and knowledge.
- Glory: As a symbol of triumph, bay laurel also represents glory and success, often used in a military context to signify a victorious commander or army.
- Peace: In some cultures, bay laurel is a symbol of peace and a protective plant, signifying the resolution of conflict or protection from lightning and witchcraft.
- Immortality: The evergreen nature of the leaves makes bay laurel a symbol of immortality and eternal life, a common association in various cultures.
WaterThe Narrow Leaf Bay Tree prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every 1 to 2 weeks. It’s important to water the plant thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes in the pot. Each watering session might require around 16 to 32 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, but this can vary based on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. Less frequent watering is needed during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Narrow Leaf Bay Tree thrives best in a spot with full sun to partial shade. This means placing it in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some light shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe Narrow Leaf Bay Tree does well in a range of temperatures and can handle minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperatures for robust growth are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or frost can damage the plant, so it's best to protect it if temperatures dip below the tolerance level.
PruningPruning the Narrow Leaf Bay Tree is essential to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It should be pruned in the spring or early summer, trimming back any dead or overgrown branches. This is also the time to shape the tree if desired. Pruning can be done yearly or as needed when the plant becomes too large for its space.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia) should be well-draining and fertile, with a blend of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand. Ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBay Laurel should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the pot. It's essential to use a slightly larger pot each time to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBay Laurel thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions. Aim for a humidity level of 40-50% for optimal growth and plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bay Laurel near a sunny window and rotate for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with access to full sun or partial shade.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleLaurus nobilis f. angustifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaved Bay Laurel, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, preferably in well-drained soil and under full sun to partial shade. During its juvenile phase, the seedling develops a root system and foliage, slowly maturing into a shrubby plant. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it produces glossy, aromatic, evergreen leaves which are often used in culinary applications. After reaching maturity, which may take several years, the Narrow-leaved Bay Laurel produces small yellowish flowers in the spring, usually in the form of clusters. If pollinated, these flowers give way to purple-black berries, the seeds of which can be dispersed by birds or gravity, allowing for the potential establishment of new plants. In ideal growing conditions, Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia can live for many years, sometimes over a century, continuing to grow in height and spread while periodically undergoing flowering and fruiting cycles.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia) is most commonly propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. A healthy parent plant should be chosen from which 4 to 6-inch lengths (10 to 15 cm) of new growth are cut. These cuttings are usually stripped of their lower leaves, and the cut ends are treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cuttings are then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite and kept in a humid environment with indirect light. To maintain humidity, the cuttings can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse, ensuring they're not exposed to direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs in 6 to 8 weeks, after which the new plants can be transferred to individual pots and grown on before eventual planting out.
