Bay Tree - Laurus nobilis - €7 per plant   

Bay, sacred to the god Apollo, and worn as a ‘laurel wreath’ by emperors and poets in ancient Rome, also makes a great evergreen hedge in the garden and is an excellent companion to a variety of sweet and savory dishes in the kitchen. When allowed to grow to its full size the tree certainly lives up to its noble status. We have issues growing the plant in Shipka (zone 5-7) what with the fiercely cold winters we receive every now and again, so we keep the plants pot bound and bring them in during the colder months.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: S. Europe
  • native habitat:Damp rocks and ravines, thickets and old walls.
  • family: Lauraceae

Predators

  • none known

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full Sun - Semi Shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 8a - 11
  • Best grown in an open sunny site
  • When dormant it is reliably hardy to about -5°c, with occasional lows to -15°c, these lower temperatures may defoliate the tree but it usually recovers in late spring to summer.
  • The plant tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Known hazards 

  • An allergic reaction can occur when essential oils are used internally

Overview

  • ​​Evergreen shrub/tree  growing to 12 m by 10 m.
  • It is in flower from April - May.
  • The plants are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is not self-fertile. 
  • The plant is not self-fertile.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Evergreen Tree 
  • layer : Lower Canopy 
  • habit: Slow growing Tree
  • height x width (m): 12 x 10
  • years to bearing yield : 1 yr  
  • productive life span: 100+ yrs 

Products 

  • Leaves: Used extensively in cuisine, Dried crumbled leaves can be added to soups and stews and can be used to make teas. 
  • Used as an insect repellent, the dried leaves protecting stored grain, beans etc from weevils.
  • An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a food flavouring
  • Wood : Very durable Used for, walking sticks and friction sticks for making fires
  • Very tolerant of clipping, it can be grown as a screen or hedge and is used commercially for topiary.

Functions, behaviours

  • The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases.  It is said to protect neighbouring plants from insect and health problems.
  • Resistant to honey fungus
  • Grows well in a container.
  • The plants essential oils are known for their antimicrobial properties and have been shown to inhibit mychorizal associations in high quantities.  
If you would like this plant  please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project