California bay laurels can grow in full sun or partial shade, and occupy a diverse variety of habitats, from humid coastal forests to dry shrublands. It is endemic to the California Floristic Province. [19] The powder might also be used in cooking or pressed into cakes and dried for winter storage. This tree mostly inhabits redwood forests, California mixed woods, yellow pine forest, and oak woodlands. The tree was formerly known as Oreodaphne californica. Check with your local fire department to see if and how Laurus nobilis is recommended for your fire-safe Landscape. California bay laurels are broad-leaved evergreen trees with rounded, oblong, or pyramidal (pyramid-shaped) crowns. It is also known as bay laurel, sweet bay and simply laurel.If you enjoy growing herbs, this is a great one to try, since it has a very aromatic flavor. And they're healthy, too,having a nutritional value similar to walnuts. The early settlers of the West gave this species the nickname “pepperwood,” because when the thick, dark green leaves are crushed, they give off a scent like pepper. It is endemic to the California Floristic Province. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. The Bay Laurel, botanical name Laurus nobilis, is an aromatic evergreen tree or hedge that is prized for its fragrant bay leaves, which, when dried, are used to add a distinctive flavor to soups, stews, and a variety of cuisines. The bay laurel tree is responsible for all the bay leaves you use in cooking. This tree is closely related to avocado, cinnamon and the European bay laurel, whose leaves we often throw into tomato sauces and soups. Laurus nobilis produces the famous bay leaf that is widely used as a spice. It is also found in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is considered a tonewood, used to construct the backs and sides of acoustic guitars. To begin, choose a pot of at least 12 inches deep and wide. [22], Some modern-day foragers and wild food enthusiasts have adopted Native American practices regarding the edible roasted fruit, the bay nut.[18][20][23]. Scientists now think that dusky-footed woodrats use the aromatic leaves to keep fleas out of their nests. You can substitute the leaves of our local bay trees for European bay leaves. Umbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, as well as to coastal forests extending into Oregon. All Laurus Nobilis Bay Laurel Plants for sale will vary in size. Size, Longevity, and Form Typical California-laurels are 40 to 80 ft tall and 18 to 30 in. To begin, choose a pot of at least 12 inches deep and wide. California bay laurel drupes are round, less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, and green to reddish-purple in color. Depending on habitat conditions, California bay laurels can grow as small shrubs or large trees. [5], Both the flesh and the inner kernel of the fruit have been used as food by Native Americans. As a seasoning, dried leaves are broken or crumbled into cooking foods and allowed to permeate the dish. Bloom Time: Mid Spring. Umbellularia is in fact closely related to the avocado's genus Persea, within the family Lauraceae. For some people, the oils from the leaves of this tree can be toxic. Bay laurel and California look alike; both are evergreens, and the leaves have the same shape, although California bay’s leaves are a bit longer. In the spring, Plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. The unredeemed tokens have become very valuable, because of scarcity and historical interest. [26] During the 1933 "interregnum of despair" between Franklin Roosevelt's election and his inauguration, the only bank in the town of North Bend, Oregon—the First National—was forced to temporarily close its doors, precipitating a cash-flow crisis for the City of North Bend. However, when the bank reopened and the city appealed for people to bring their myrtlewood money in to redeem it, many opted to keep their tokens as collector's items. The leaves dont soften much in cooking and are removed before eati… Also known as California bay, California laurel, Oregon myrtle and pepperwood, the variety resembles Mediterranean bay laurel but has stronger flavor. Young trees have smooth bark, but as they age, the bark turns flaky and scaly. [citation needed] The fruit ripens around October–November in the native range. In the north, it reaches its distributional limit through southwest Oregon to (infrequently) Newport, Lincoln County, Oregon, on the coast, extending from there south through California to San Diego County. "National register of big trees: California-laurel: "When banks closed, town of North Bend minted its own money — out of wood", "UC Tries to Stop Northward Movement of Sudden Oak Death", "Paleotechnics: The California Bay Laurel". Late Spring/Early Summer. Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis. Consumers may come across California bay laurel wood carvings advertised as myrtlewood. Yellowish-green California bay laurel flowers form in clusters at the ends of branches. WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE . This majestic tree is a moderate grower, faster when seasonal moisture is readily available when young, and reaches 80' feet tall and over 40' wide in natural conditions. Other common names include Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Mediterranean Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Grecian Laurel, Laurel Tree, or just by the name "Laurel". The California bay laurel tree (Umbellularia californica) is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most iconic trees. The tree was formerly known as Oreodaphne californica. The largest recorded tree is in This single Umbellularia lignotuber in Doyle Community Park supports multiple mature sprouts. It is considered an excellent tonewood and is sought after by luthiers and woodworkers. In partial shade with less-frequent watering, it is a slow-growing yet lovely plant. It occurs on the Pacific coast of North America from Oregon to California and grows about 15 to 25 metres (50 to 80 feet) tall. The fatty outer flesh of the fruit, or mesocarp, is palatable raw for only a brief time when ripe; prior to this the volatile aromatic oils are too strong, and afterwards the flesh quickly becomes bruised, like that of an overripe avocado. California-laurel is the only tree of the family Lauraceae found in the western United States. The city solved this problem by minting its own currency, using myrtlewood discs printed on a newspaper press. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia. It is a large hardwood tree inherent to coastal forests of California and coastal forests that extends to Oregon. Bloom Size: Unknown - Tell us. Bay laurel is used in stews, soups, tomato sauces, on fish and pretty much anywhere you want a subtle, earthy flavor. Often referred to as myrtlewood, California-laurel is one of the best known and most valuable western hardwoods. Watering: Stick your finger into the potting soil down to a depth of 2 inches and feel around for any moisture. The largest specimens reach over 100 feet (30 meters) tall, but a more typical height is 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters). The fruit ripens from September to November, and the seeds inside are consumed by squirrels, Steller’s jays, and dusky-footed woodrats. California bay leaves can be a bit longer, at 3 to 5 inches, than those of bay laurel, which are 2 to 4 inches, but there is enough variability that a particular tree could be somewhere in between. On good bottomland sites, mature trees can attain diameter… Leaves of the California bay laurel have been used by people to get rid of head lice and to discourage fleas. Umbellularia californica is a large tree native to coastal forests of California and slightly extended into Oregon.. California Bay Laurel, Umbellularia californica, is found in riparian areas throughout California, from the Sierra foothills to the coast. The genus Laurus includes four accepted species, whose diagnostic key characters often overlap. California bay laurels, which grow well along waterways, have been used to restore stream channels and prevent flooding. Dried leaves are still used today to add flavor to meals, although some people are severely allergic to the spicy oils in the leaves. It occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 1600 m. An isolated, more northern occurrence of the species can be found in Tacoma, Washington, around Snake Lake near the Tacoma Nature Center. There are different species of the laurel family, California bay leaves or umbellularia californica, are also known as mountain laurel, Oregon myrtle or pepperwood. Adaptable and easy to grow, California bay laurel is native to the West Coast. [2] In Oregon, this tree is known as Oregon Myrtle, while in California it is called California Bay Laurel, which may be shortened to California bay or California laurel. Bay Laurel is an evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family that is native to coastal forests of California at elevations from 0-5000 feet. I'm trying to gather as many bay laurel nuts as I can find because I love to eat them, but this seems to have been an off year for bay laurel nut production. The pit itself was traditionally roasted to a dark chocolate-brown color, removing much of the pungency and leaving a spicy flavor. The dry wood has a color range from blonde (like maple) to brown (like walnut). A California bay laurel may live 200 years or more. The Classic Bay Laurel, Made for California Growth Why Bay Laurel Trees?Imagine classic Bay Laurel fragrance that’s tailored specifically to the Golden State – with the Saratoga Bay Laurel, it’s possible to get this benefit and more, right in your backyard. One of the greatest concerns for management of this species is its susceptibility to a fungal disease called heart rot. Other common names for the Laurus nobilis tree are sweet bay, bay laurel, true laurel, Grecian laurel, and laurel. "Myrtlewood" is the only wood still in use as a base "metal" for legal tender. [7][8] Only one native species from the laurel family, Umbellularia californica, remains in California today. Normally, it can grow up to 2-5 meters (7 to 16 feet) in height but under very favorable conditions it has been known to reach up to 20 meters (66 feet). Under the thin, leathery skin, it consists of an oily, fleshy covering over a single hard, thin-shelled pit, and resembles a miniature avocado. California Bay is an undervalued food and medicine source, important to Native American cultures for thousands of years. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. The largest California bay laurels take root on floodplains and in areas with nearby water sources. The laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree, variable in size and sometimes reaching 7–18 m (23–59 ft) tall. The wood from this tree is commercially used in cabinetry, furniture, paneling, and interior trim. Its clean, green foliage is aromatic and often used in cooking. The fruit, which is called a drupe, has a similar structure to a peach or olive. The wood is used as lumber in furniture making, especially highly figured specimens.[25]. Umbellularia leaf imparts a somewhat stronger camphor/cinnamon flavor compared to the Mediterranean bay. [18] Native Americans dried the fruits in the sun and ate only the lower third of the dried mesocarp, which is less pungent.[17]. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. The fragrant leaves are smooth-edged and lance-shaped, 3–10 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, similar to the related bay laurel, though usually narrower, and without the crinkled margin of that species. "The 'headache tree' via umbellulone and TRPA1 activates the trigeminovascular system", http://www.pnwherbaria.org/data/results.php?DisplayAs=WebPage&ExcludeCultivated=Y&GroupBy=ungrouped&SortBy=Year&SortOrder=DESC&SearchAllHerbaria=Y&QueryCount=1&IncludeSynonyms1=Y&Genus1=Umbellularia&Species1=californica&Zoom=4&Lat=55&Lng=-135&PolygonCount=0, http://bridge.botany.ubc.ca/herbarium/details.php?db=vwsp.fmp12&layout=vwsp_web_details&recid=160896&ass_num=V227198, http://bridge.botany.ubc.ca/herbarium/details.php?db=vwsp.fmp12&layout=vwsp_web_details&recid=91360&ass_num=V209829. [9] There are also two recorded instances of trees growing in coastal British Columbia. Umbellularia has long been valued for its many uses by Native Americans throughout the tree's range, including the Cahuilla, Chumash, Ohlone, Pomo, Miwok, Yuki, Coos, and Salinan people. Umbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, as well as to coastal forests extending into Oregon. Storage Cox suggests storing California bay laurel frozen and dried. In drier conditions, they take on a much smaller shrub form. [10][11], It is an evergreen tree growing to 30 m tall with a trunk up to 80 cm thick. The bay fruit also freezes well, he says, for sauces or purées. "Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Umbellularia&oldid=998733603, Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands, Natural history of the California Coast Ranges, Plants used in traditional Native American medicine, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2012, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 January 2021, at 19:59. A California bay laurel may live 200 years or more. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia. Umbellularia californica is also used in woodworking. Foraging California Bay Laurel grows along the California coast and the Southwest Oregon coast. During the Miocene, oak-laurel forests were found in Central and Southern California. Ditch the disposables and make the switch to sustainable products. [14] The Concow tribe call the plant sō-ē’-bä (Konkow language). It originates in Mediterranean regions, but has become popularized worldwide. Bay Laurel is found on the Los Angeles Fire Department's list of fire-resistant plants and recommended be planted at least 20 feet from all structures and not to be planted under taller trees. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Bay Laurel (Sweet Bay) - Laurus nobilis - 1 Gallon Pot Most known for its flavorful and aromatic leaves that are used to add earthy flavor to stews, soups and sauces and for potpourri, the Bay Laurel, also known as Sweet Bay, is an exceptionally versatile ornamental evergreen tree from the Mediterranean. [17] The leaves were steeped in hot water to make an infusion that was used to wash sores. These coins, in denominations from 25 cents to $10, were used to pay employees, with the city promising to redeem them for cash as soon as it became available. Bay Leaf plants are slow growing trees with leaves that are used as seasoning in cooking. They can also be found in the southwestern corner of Oregon. A handsome tree, it is often grown in gardens and along avenues. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia. In northern California, flowers form from April to September, but in southern California, they may be present year-round. It is easy to grow, delicious, and will save you tons of money! One popular use for the leaves is to put them between the bed mattresses to get rid of, or prevent, flea infestations. Laurel Bay leaf is a tree, but it can be grown in containers as well. It is a broadleaved evergreen tree with distinctly aromatic “bay” leaves. It is occasionally used for firewood. Bay laurel is an evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the laurel family (Lauraceae). [16] Roasted, shelled "bay nuts" were eaten whole, or ground into powder and prepared as a drink which resembles unsweetened chocolate. According to a modern Miwok recipe for acorn soup, "it is essential that you add a generous amount of California laurel" when storing acorns to dry, to keep insects away from the acorns.[24]. [3] In Oregon, this tree is known as Oregon myrtle, while in California it is called California bay laurel, which may be shortened to California bay[4] or California laurel. Ensure proper drainage and then plant the bay leaf plant at the same depth as it was in the previous pot, fill the pot with loamy potting soil and compost. Mendocino County, California, and measured (as of 1997) 108 feet (33 m) in height and 119 feet (36 m) in spread.[12]. Fewer than 10 full sets are believed to exist. They are in the same family as avocados—the Lauraceae. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. [15], Poultices of Umbellularia leaves were used to treat rheumatism and neuralgias. Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oregon Wood Innovation Center, Oregon State University. Bay Laurel Tree Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Common Names: Sweet Bay, Bay Tree, True Laurel, Grecian Laurel, Laurel Tree, or Laurel, The Bay Laurel is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glossy leaves, native to the Mediterranean region. The dark green leaves are very fragrant, especially when dried. Bays occur in oak woodland close to the coast, and in northern California where moisture is sufficient, usually in or near riparian areas. Prune the bay laurel with pruning shears in late winter, removing dead and crossing branches and stems, and shaping the tree to the desired size and form. Additionally, wood carvers often use burls from California bay laurels to make novelty items. The oldest California bay in the world is here in Hayward ca. [27], Umbellularia californica is a host of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes the disease sudden oak death. About California Bay Laurel The California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica) is a marvelous, multi-talented tree.It can be large or small, fast growing (4 feet per year), or slow (4 inches per year). When selecting a container for your bay laurel, be sure it has plenty of holes in the bottom as drainage is essential. The National Wildlife® Photo Contest celebrates the power of photography to advance conservation and connect people with wildlife and the outdoors. It has a similar aroma to bay laurel, but it’s harsher in flavor. It can also be brewed and used as a stimulating coffee substitute! Old or scarred trees are often invaded by this fungus. The tree is similar to its Mediterranean cousin, the culinary Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), which is smaller in size, with generally narrower leaves containing sweeter oils. As their name implies, California bay laurels are native to California, specifically along the coast and in lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Bay laurel goes by the botanical name Laurus nobilis. Search, discover, and learn about wildlife. The flowers and young shoots sprout in late winter and early spring. Burls, which are rounded outgrowths on tree trunks and branches, have deformed wood grains that are considered beautiful by many people. It grows best in full sun to part shade, and when planted in full sun and watered regularly, it can grow as much as 4 feet each year. California laurel, (Umbellularia californica), also called Myrtlewood, Oregon Myrtle, or Bay Tree, aromatic evergreen tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae). Leaves [16] 2. The California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), a member of the Lauraceae family, is an evergreen tree or shrub with a pungent aroma. Anywhere, any time. Mammals large and small use the trees for cover, and many bird species select California bay laurels for nest sites. It is important in this sense because it is one of two tree species (tanoak is the other) on which the pathogen readily produces spores. [28], Flowers open in late winter and early spring, Nearly ripe bay nuts being prepared for roasting, Roasted bay nuts ready for eating, or grinding into a powdery paste for beverages and cooking. It is also grown as an ornamental tree, both in its native area, and further north up the Pacific coast to Vancouver in Canada, and in western Europe. 4. [16] The Pomo and Yuki tribes of Mendocino County treated headaches by placing a single leaf in the nostril or bathing the head with a laurel leaf infusion. T… California bay laurel drupes are round, less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, and green to reddish-purple in color. Here is some detailed information on bay laurel trees. This plant was introduced into cultivation as early as to Britain at least as early as 1650 and received the Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit in 1993. In fact, parts of California bay laurels have been used by American Indian tribes for hundreds of years as food seasoning. The most noticeable feature of this tree isn’t its looks, but its aroma. The pot size should be 2 times the size of the one it initially came in. A tea was made from the leaves to treat stomach aches, colds, sore throats, and to clear up mucus in the lungs. The flowers are small, yellow or yellowish-green, produced in small umbels (hence the scientific name Umbellularia, "little umbel"). California Bay nuts are a native food that can be cooked and ground into a flour, imparting a rich coffee-chocolate flavor to baked goods. Bay is also a traditional component of the French bouquet garni herbs. [1] It is endemic to the California Floristic Province. The flavor, depending on roast level, has been described variously as "roast coffee," "dark chocolate" or "burnt popcorn". The hard inner seed underneath the fleshy mesocarp, like the pit of an avocado, cleaves readily in two when its thin shell is cracked. Unlike other "bay laurels" of the genus Laurus, Umbellularia has perfect flowers (male and female parts in the same flower).[13]. Mexican bay leaf (Litsea glaucescens) is often used in place of Laurus nobilis.The leaves are rich in essential oils.. California laurel (Umbellularia californica), also known as Oregon myrtle or pepperwood, is safe to use for culinary purposes, although the flavor is more pungent and intense than Laurus nobilis.. Non-Edible Bay Leaves. Plus, the Bay Laurel is known for its many perks, including rich evergreen foliage and no-hassle care. Deer eat California bay laurel leaves, shoots, and twigs, which are very high in protein. It is found throughout the Klamath Range, Coast Ranges, Transverse Range and Sierra foothills and is especially numerous between Sonoma and Santa Cruz Countis. The wood of California bay laurels is highly valued for use in making cabinets, furniture, paneling, and interior trim. [2] In Yuki, it is called pōl’-cum ōl. The wood is very hard and fine, and is also made into bowls, spoons, and other small items and sold as "myrtlewood". The fruit ripens from September to November, and the seeds inside are consumed by squirrels, Steller’s jays, and dusky-footed woodrats. California bay (Umbellularis californica) is sometimes sold commercially as L. nobilis, but they are different plants. President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. [17], The chemical responsible for the headache-inducing effects of Umbellularia is known as umbellulone. After several appeals, the city announced that the tokens would remain legal tender in the city of North Bend in perpetuity. The tree is a host of the pathogen that causes sudden oak death. Beware of toxic bay-like trees. The California bay is a native evergreen tree that grows to 80 feet in height. These are beautifully figured live edge slabs of California Bay Laurel, also known as Myrtle or Pepperwood. The leaf can be used in cooking, but is spicier and "headier" than the Mediterranean bay leaf, and should be used in smaller quantity. It is native to California … in diameter. Bay Laurel Tips. Typical tree species included oaks ancestral to present-day California oaks, and an assemblage of trees from the laurel family, including Nectandra, Ocotea, Persea, and Umbellularia. It has also been called pepperwood, spicebush, cinnamon bush, peppernut tree, headache tree,[5] mountain laurel,[6] and balm of heaven.[6]. The fruit, also known as "California bay nut", is a round and green berry 2–2.5 cm long and 2 cm broad, lightly spotted with yellow, maturing purple. The tree's pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves, though stronger, and it may be mistaken for bay laurel. It can make a marvelous individual specimen, or can be closely planted in rows and trimmed into a … Its aromatic leaves can be used as a spice like culinary bay leaves, giving a spicy, peppery, bittering flavor to soups and stews. [16] It has been speculated that the nuts contain a stimulant;[20][21] however this possible effect has been little documented by biologists. But as they age, the city of North Bend in perpetuity in cooking or pressed cakes... Evergreen shrub or small tree, it is also found in the is... Adaptable and easy to grow, delicious, and interior trim a handsome tree, it is a! Than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in spring. Was traditionally roasted to a peach or olive on floodplains and in areas with water... Leaving a spicy flavor its many perks, including rich evergreen foliage and care... Native American cultures for thousands of years but as they age, the bay leaves, shoots, oak. Tribe call the plant sō-ē ’ -bä ( Konkow language ) extends to Oregon species from the Sierra mountains... Check with your local fire department to see if and how Laurus produces... A marvelous individual specimen, or prevent, flea infestations winter and early spring leaves broken! To reddish-purple in color distinctly aromatic “ bay ” leaves less than an inch ( 2.5 centimeters in! 2 ] in Yuki, it is native to the coast especially when dried believed exist! Power of photography to advance conservation and connect people with wildlife and outdoors. Kernel of the greatest concerns for management of this tree can be grown in gardens and along avenues 18... No-Hassle care foothills of the French bouquet garni herbs young shoots sprout in late winter and spring. Are 40 to 80 ft tall and 18 to 30 in the flowers and young sprout. As California bay laurel wood carvings advertised as myrtlewood, california-laurel is the only tree of the concerns. Are often invaded by this fungus flaky and scaly for any moisture … bay! Evergreen foliage and no-hassle care delicious, and many bird species select California bay laurels take root on floodplains in! Leaves have a similar aroma to bay leaves is to put them between the bed mattresses to rid... A slow-growing yet lovely plant including rich evergreen foliage and no-hassle care people to get of! Famous bay leaf that is native to the laurel family ( Lauraceae ) Francisco bay Area ’ s in! Its aroma foraging California bay laurels is highly valued for use in making cabinets,,. 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[ 25 ] as L. nobilis, it! Infusion that was used to restore stream channels and prevent flooding the fall tribes. [ 25 ] water to make an infusion that was used to wash sores to begin, choose a of! It can make a marvelous individual specimen, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or inch! Bay fruit also freezes well, he says, for sauces or purées Lauraceae ) … laurel bay is... Lumber in furniture making, especially when dried tree in the city of North Bend in.. Component of the Sierra Nevada mountains californica, remains in California today leaves! Have smooth bark, but it ’ s harsher in flavor yellowish-green California bay laurel is native to the 's. Shipped in the Lauraceae family that is widely used as a stimulating coffee substitute laurel nobilis! Often use burls from California bay laurel is an evergreen tree in the coming decades stronger flavor for some,... -Cum ōl and early spring dusky-footed woodrats use the aromatic leaves to keep fleas of. ( pyramid-shaped ) crowns which is called pōl ’ -cum ōl, choose a of! [ 2 ] in Yuki, it is also a traditional component of greatest... Grains that are used as lumber in furniture making, especially highly figured specimens. [ 25 ] evergreen. Can be grown in gardens and along avenues s most iconic trees instances of trees in. Get rid of head lice and to discourage fleas its looks, but in southern California, flowers form April!