Umbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, and extending into the coastal forests southwestern Oregon and the mountains of northwestern Baja California. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia, in the laurel family Lauraceae. The tree's pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves, though stronger, and it may be mistaken for bay laurel.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of California bay being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Laurales
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Genus
- Umbellularia
- Species
- Umbellularia californica
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