A laurel tree, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the flowering plant family Lauraceae and is commonly referred to as bay tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, or Grecian laurel.
Common names for Laurus nobilis include bay laurel, sweet bay, and Grecian laurel. Additionally, the tree is also called true laurel. This is because several unrelated plants and shrubs also have the common name laurel: English laurel or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), and skip laurel.
Laurel, botanically known as Laurus nobilis, is the classic Mediterranean bay leaf used to scent soups, braises, beans, and stews. It is familiar in the kitchen, yet it also has a long history in traditional herbal practice.
From the hardy Mountain Laurel to the evergreen Cherry Laurel, explore popular varieties, benefits, challenges, and best uses!
Laurel is an evergreen shrub which belongs to the family Lauraceae but the word Laurel can refer to quite a few different types of hedge plants. Although exhibiting various species-specific traits, the broad-leafed stalwarts do share some general characteristics.
Learn what laurel trees are, the main types, edible vs toxic varieties, and how to identify bay laurel leaves, seeds, flowers, and uses.
: an evergreen shrub or tree (Laurus nobilis of the family Lauraceae, the laurel family) of southern Europe with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries, and evergreen foliage once used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games
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.