Bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Botanical family: Lauraceae
Laurus nobilis, the true bay of the kitchen, a Mediterranean Lauraceae with leathery, fragrant leaves. Source: Tela Botanica. The leaf is on list A of traditionally used medicinal plants of the French Pharmacopoeia (ANSM).
Sun to partial shade, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, ordinary; tolerates chalk and drought
Low once established
Hardy: foliage sensitive from -8 °C, the stump regrows down to ~-15 °C (mulch useful in a cold climate)
Protect over winter in your zone
Role in permaculture
A Mediterranean evergreen shrub that structures the garden, is trimmed as a hedge or topiary, and provides year-round the aromatic leaf of the bouquet garni. Frugal and drought-resistant, it shelters small wildlife in its dense foliage and flowers discreetly in spring (a modest nectar plant). An aromatic-backbone, perennial and maintenance-free.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
An evergreen shrub: aromatic leaves picked all year round, stronger fresh, milder dried.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Bay » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/bay/grow-your-own)
- Plants For A Future, « Laurus nobilis » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Laurus+nobilis)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
BEWARE of confusion, potentially serious: only bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is edible. Oleander (Nerium oleander) is highly toxic, a single leaf being able to kill a child, and cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is toxic (cyanogenic compounds), both very common in gardens and hedges. Never flavour a dish with a 'laurel' leaf whose species you are not sure of. The whole leaf, tough, is not eaten: remove it before serving. The essential oil is reserved for a supervised use. Sources: ANSES, “Cet été, à quelles plantes faire attention pour éviter les intoxications?” (2022); Plants For A Future, “Nerium oleander” and “Prunus laurocerasus”.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, ordinary; tolerates chalk and drought.