The sweet bay tree is about a medium size, and its fragrant leaves are used as a culinary herb (bay leaf). The International Herb Association named it herb of the year in 2009. Laurus nobilis is a plant in the Lauraceae family that is grown in many places around the world. It is mostly used as a culinary herb, but in its home region of the Mediterranean, it was also used for medicine and cultural purposes. It was thought to protect against natural disasters, especially lightning strikes, and poets, athletes, soldiers, and Roman emperors wore laurel wreaths to show they had won or accomplished something. Other common names for this species include bay, bay laurel, grecian laurel, laurel and true laurel. California laurel (Umbellularia californica) and bay rum tree (Pimenta racemosa) are two other trees that are often called bay. The leaves and twigs of the bay rum tree are distilled to make oil of bay, which is used in perfumery and to make bay rum (an aftershave or hair tonic, not a drink). The related L. canariensis comes from the Canary Islands and Madeira. It is not as hardy as sweet bay and has leaves that are longer, broader, and less fragrant. Bay is an evergreen plant that can be grown as a single-trunked tree or a multi-trunked shrub. It also does well when pruned and shaped, so it can be grown as a standard or used to make topiaries. Because it is relatively slow-growing, it does well in containers. The leaves are shiny, dark green, leathery, and lance-shaped. They are 3 to 4 inches long and have a strong midrib and wavy, finely serrated edges. The smooth bark is olive green to gray in color. The plants are dioecious, with star-shaped male and female flowers on separate plants. In the spring, small, faintly visible, pale yellow-green flowers with a pleasant scent are followed by small, egg-shaped, purple-black berries that each have one seed. Trees are self-infertile, so a male tree is needed to set seed. Bees pollinate the flowers. L. nobilis is often grown as an ornamental plant in mild climates (zones 7–10). In cold climates, it can be grown as a long-lived houseplant or in a container outside. It does best in well-drained soil with regular moisture, but it can handle most conditions as long as it never gets completely dry. In its native areas it grows amid damp rocky ravines, thickets and old walls. When it stays above freezing all winter, indoor plants can be moved outside in the spring and brought back inside in the fall. The tree will stay dormant if kept in a cool room (35–60˚F). It doesn’t need much light or water (just enough to keep the soil barely moist). In a warmer room provide regular watering like any houseplant and as much sun as possible. In the Midwest, bay trees grown in containers do best in full sun (after getting used to the darker indoors), but in warmer places, they might do better with some light shade. Once the bay tree is established, it should be pruned once a year to keep it growing quickly and giving you bay leaves for cooking. For the best growth, prune the tree when it’s not actively growing. For the best flavor, pick the leaves in the middle of summer. Plants grown in pots should be repotted so that the roots and tops of the plants stay the same size. When you move the plant to a new pot, trim the roots by cutting off any that touched the surface of the old pot. At least every two years, the roots should be cut back, even if the plant stays in the same pot. New compost-soil mix should be added to replace the old soil that was taken away with the roots. Bay is hard to grow from seed, but it can be done by air-layering, taking half-ripe cuttings in the summer (which can take several months), or from fresh seeds (germination is tricky and the seed bed needs to be kept warm). This plant has few pests but scales can be a problem, particularly indoors. The bump-like insects can occur on both the leaves and woody parts. The mature leaves can be used fresh but when dried, the oils are more concentrated. This herb is often used in stews, roasts, casseroles, and soups that need a long time to cook. It can also be used for pickling, marinades, and teas. You can also make potpourri, wreaths, and other crafts out of dried leaves. You can also use them to keep pests like silverfish and stored product insects away. The essential oil is used in massage oil.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison
The bay leaf tree, also known as the bay laurel, sweet bay, or Laurus nobilis, is an aromatic evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region Its leaves have been used as a popular herb and spice for thousands of years Images of the bay leaf tree can provide an in-depth look at this versatile and visually striking plant.
Distinguishing Features
The bay leaf tree has several distinguishing features that make it easy to identify in photos:
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Leaves – The leaves are oval shaped with pointed tips. They are dark green on top with paler undersides. The leaves give off a strong aromatic scent when crushed or bruised.
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Flowers – Small, pale yellow flowers bloom in spring on short stalks in the leaf axils. The flowers have four petals and are either male or female.
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Fruit – Female flowers give way to purplish-black oval berries that contain a single seed. The fruit are carried in clusters of up to 12 berries.
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Bark – The bark is reddish-brown and peels back in papery strips as the tree ages. Younger branches have smooth, shiny bark.
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Shape – Bay trees have a conical shape when young but become more rounded with age as the lower branches drop off. They can reach heights of 10-20 meters at maturity.
Leaves and Foliage
The evergreen leaves of the bay tree are one of its most distinctive features. Close-up images showcase their oval shape, pointed tips, leathery texture, and prominent veins. The leaves give off a sweet, pine-like aroma when bruised or crushed. Fresh bay leaves are bright green, while older leaves take on a darker forest green hue. Younger trees have leaves with a pinkish tint. The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches.
Backlit images bring out the paler, almost silvery-green color of the undersides of the leaves in contrast to the shiny dark green tops. Other photos capture the way the leaves gently droop downwards from the branches, especially on mature trees.
Flowers and Fruit
Though the bay tree is primarily grown for its leaves, close-up images also capture its petite, pale yellow flowers. The male and female flowers bloom on separate plants in spring. The fragrant flowers are located individually or in clusters of three within the leaf axils along the branches.
As the female flowers mature into fruit, photos reveal clusters of oval berries turning from green to dark purple-black as they ripen. Each berry contains a single hard, pointed seed. The plump berries create eye-catching spots of color against the dark green foliage, especially when backlit.
Bark and Trunk
The bark of younger bay trees has a beautiful coppery-red hue with a smooth, waxy texture. Intricate patterns and ridges in the bark become more pronounced as the trees mature. Photos showcase how the bark transforms with age, becoming dark gray and peeling away in thin, vertical strips to reveal the newer reddish bark underneath.
Images of the trunk and bark also depict how bay trees form picturesque twisted shapes as they grow around obstacles. The sinewy trunks gradually widen with maturity. Interesting hollows, grooves, and bumps form in the worn bark over time.
Whole Tree Form
When photographed in its entirety, the conical shape of the bay tree is unmistakable. The branches extend upward in a symmetrical, pyramidal form. As the lower branches drop away, mature trees take on a more rounded shape but retain their conical silhouette. The slender trunk and surrounding leaves create a column-like appearance.
Full images show off the gracefully cascading foliage and capture the tree’s iconic use in container gardening. The bay tree’s compact shape allows it to be pruned into formal shapes like dense spheres, cones, and spirals. Photographed against the sky, its pointed shape stands out in striking contrast.
Growing Conditions
Bay trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They grow naturally on rocky limestone hills near the ocean where mists and sea spray keep the foliage glossy. Container-grown bay trees also require excellent drainage.
Images depict bay trees growing in the ideal conditions of Mediterranean-style gardens with stone terraces and accompanying herbs and citrus trees. Other photos show them thriving along the California coastline. Individual trees can also be seen growing on sloping hills against bright blue skies.
Uses
While the bay leaf tree makes a beautiful ornamental, it is also highly valued for culinary use. Photos often capture dried bay leaves in the process of flavoring soups, stews, and other dishes. The leaves can be shown bundled with kitchen twine or scattered in dishes. Fresh leaves may be photographed in the process of being removed from branches for cooking.
Images also showcase the historical use of bay leaves as victory crowns and garlands by ancient Greeks and Romans. The leaves are still associated with honor, glory, and success. Photos may capture wreaths of entwined bay branches or individual sprigs.
Photographs of the bay leaf tree allow one to admire its glossy green leaves, aromatic fruit, attractive silhouette, and twisted growth habits. Images document the plant’s culinary applications and long history of ceremonial usage. By providing a detailed visual record, photos enable people to fully appreciate the distinctive features and versatility of the bay laurel tree.
- bay leaf tree: 21
- leaves: 14
- bark: 5
- flowers: 4
- berries/fruit: 4
- Mediterranean: 2
- container gardening: 2
- laurel: 2
- trunk: 2
- conical: 2
- Greeks: 1
- Romans: 1
- California coastline: 1
- limestone hills: 1
- victory crowns/garlands: 1
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FAQ
How do you tell if it’s a bay leaf tree?
What is so special about bay leaves?
Can you eat bay leaves straight from the tree?
Where do bay leaf trees grow?
Where can I find bay leaf stock photos?
Browse Getty Images’ premium collection of high-quality, authentic Bay Leaf stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Bay Leaf stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and formats to fit your needs.
What does a bay leaf tree look like?
In this article we’ll explore what the bay leaf tree looks like with a collection of photos and descriptions. The bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a flowering evergreen tree or shrub that can reach heights of 10-20 meters Its shiny, dark green oblong leaves are a signature feature, with a smooth margin and lanceolate shape that tapers to a point.
What is a bay leaf tree used for in cooking?
Dried bay leaves are used in cooking and as a diffuser to spread fragrance. They are also believed to ward off negative energies. If you want a bay leaf tree, order it from a plant nursery for use as a potted plant or as an aromatic hedge.
What is the bay leaf?
The Bay Leaf is an Indian Restaurant Cardiff offering an authentic Indian dining experience. Offering both dine-in and Indian takeaway options you can sample our mouthwatering food in our ambient restaurant or from the comfort of your own home. Why not take a look at our dine-in and takeaway menus to see what we have to offer?
What is Indian bay leaf tree?
We plucked few leaves and crushed them to release the aroma the leaves are famous for. Botanical name is Cinnamomum tamala and belongs to Lauraceae (Laurel) family. Indian Bay Leaf Tree is also known as Tej Patta, Pulao Patta, Tamal Patra, Malabar leaf, Indian Cassia Bark, Indian Cassia and is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Where do bay trees grow?
Bay trees thrive in Mediterranean-type climates with warm, dry summers and rainy winters. These maples are native to countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea including: They grow at elevations up to 1,500 meters in well-drained alkaline soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.