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bay laurel
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Close-up of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, elongated green leaves and small yellow buds on woody stems.
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Also called:
laurel, bay, sweet bay, or bay tree
Related Topics:
Lauraceae
bay tree
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Bay laurel
Bay laurel The aromatic leaves of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis).

bay laurel

plant, Laurus genus
Also known as: Laurus
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

bay laurel, (Laurus nobilis), fragrant evergreen species of the family Lauraceae, the source of the cooking herb bay leaf. Bay laurel is native to the Mediterranean region but now widely cultivated in other regions of the world. In ancient Greece the wreath of honour placed upon the heads of heroes was made from the leaves and branches of bay laurel.

Bay laurel grows 6–18 metres (20–60 feet) tall. The stiff, alternate, oval leaves are dull and leathery and about 7.5–10 cm (3–4 inches) long; the leaf edges are smooth and often wavy. The small and inconspicuous flowers are yellowish or greenish white. The fruit, a green, purple, or blackish drupe, contains one seed.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.