Sweet Bay
Laurus nobilis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lauraceae
- Genus:
- Laurus
- Species:
- Laurus nobilis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- green, yellow, yellow-green
Native Range
United States: California
Host Plant for Caterpillars
saucereye silkmoth (Callosamia securifera), Tulip-tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera), Urodus parvula, Western amorbia moth (Amorbia cuneanum)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with well-drained soils