Lorbeer

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Screen, Standard, Specimen, Street tree. Succeeds in any soil of moderate fertility, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained fertile soil. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers full sun but succeeds in light shade. Plants are fairly wind hardy, but they do not like extreme maritime exposure or cold dry winds. The plant is not fully hardy in all areas of Britain and may require protection in severe winters. 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. Laurus nobilis angustifolia (Syn 'Salicifolia') is somewhat hardier and has the same aromatic qualities. The bay tree is a very ornamental plant that is often cultivated for its leaves which are used as a food flavouring. Some named forms exist. When bruised, the leaves release a sweet aromatic scent. The tree is highly resistant to pests and diseases and is also notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has been held in high esteem since ancient times. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and was also a symbol of peace and victory. It was used to make wreaths for emperors, generals and poets. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements, including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1]. Leaves can be harvested year-round, but they are typically picked in Summer. Flowers in Spring. Bay Tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching up to 10-20 feet tall in optimal conditions.

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - fresh or dried. A spicy, aromatic flavouring, bay leaves are commonly used as a flavouring for soups, stews etc and form an essential ingredient of the herb mix 'Bouquet Garni'. The leaves can be used fresh or are harvested in the summer and dried. The flavour of freshly dried, crushed or shredded leaves is stronger than fresh leaves, but the leaves should not be stored for longer than a year since they will then lose their flavour. The dried fruit is used as a flavouring. The dried leaves are brewed into a herbal tea. An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a food flavouring. Yields can vary from 1 - 3% oil.

Essential Hedge Hedge Parasiticide Repellent Strewing Wood Agroforestry uses: Bay Trees can be used as a hedge or screen due to their dense foliage and aromatic leaves. It can also provide shade in agroforestry systems. An essential oil from the fruit is used in soap making. The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, and it is said to protect neighbouring plants from insects and health problems. The leaves are highly aromatic and can be used as an insect repellent, the dried leaves protect stored grain, beans etc from weevils. It is also a strewing herb because of its aromatic smell and antiseptic properties. Very tolerant of clipping, it can be grown as a screen or hedge in areas suited to its outdoor cultivation. Wood is sweetly scented and does not wear quickly. Used for marqueterie work, walking sticks and friction sticks for making fires. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Bay trees produce small, yellow-green flowers that provide nectar and pollen, attracting bees and other pollinators. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small animals. Birds may also eat the berries (though they are not edible for humans). The tree’s leaf litter can support beneficial insects and soil organisms. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The bay tree's rough bark and leaf litter can offer overwintering sites for invertebrates. Its dense, evergreen leaves provide excellent shelter year-round. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – Bay leaves have a strong aromatic scent, which can help deter some pests and might act as a pest confuser.

Heimisch: Albania, Algeria, BR, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., England [I] (England [I], Wales [I], Scotland [I]); Ireland [I] (Ireland [I], Northern Ireland [I]); Germany [I]; Portugal [I]; Spain [I]; Gibraltar [I]; Baleares [I]; France; Channel Isl. [I] (Alderney [I], Jersey [I], Guernsey [I]); Corsica; Sardinia; Italy; Sicily; Isole Pelagie (Lampedusa); Malta [I]; San Marino [I]; Slovenia; Croatia; Bosnia & Hercegovina; Montenegro; Serbia; Kosovo; North Macedonia; Bulgaria; European Turkey; Greece (lowlands, incl. Kerkyra, Ionian Isl., Thasos, Samothraki, Evvoia, Andros, Tinos, Kithira); Crete; Crimea; Morocco; Algeria; Tunisia; Libya; Azores [I] (Sao Miguel Isl. [I], Terceira [I], Graciosa [I]); Northern Caucasus; +Georgia [Caucasus] (+Samegrelo, +Imereti); East Aegaean Isl. (Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria, Samos, Leros, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, Rhodos); Turkey (widespread in coastal regions); Cyprus (C-Mountains, N-Cyprus, S-Cyprus, W-Cyprus); Lebanon (C-Lebanon, coastal W-Lebanon); Syria (coastal W-Syria, W-Syrian Mountains); Israel (Rift Valley, N-Israel); China [I] (Fujian [I], Jiangsu [I], Sichuan [I], Yunnan [I], Zhejiang [I]); South Korea [I]; Ryukyu Isl. [I]; Taiwan [I]; Pakistan [I]; Vietnam [I]; Java [I]; New Zealand [I]; USA [I] (California [I]); Bolivia [c], Faial Island, France, Global, Graciosa Island, Greece, Italy, Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Manizales, Morocco, NO, NW. Balkan Pen., North America, Palestine, Sardegna, Sicilia, São Jorge Island, São Miguel Island, Terceira Island, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, conterminous 48 United States Eingeführt: AR, AT, AU, Austria, Azores, Açores, BA, BR, Baleares, Belgium, Bogotá, D.C., Brussels-Capital Region, CH, Channel Is., England, Flemish Region, France, GB, GE, Great Britain, HR, IE, IN, IR, Ireland, Korea, Krym, Malta, NZ, North Caucasus, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Portugal Continental, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, TW, The Netherlands, Transcaucasus, UY, Ukraine, Vietnam, Wales, Walloon Region