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California Laurel: Umbellularia californica, Lauraceae |
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California Laurel: Umbellularia californica, Lauraceae |
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Umbellularia californica is the only species in this genus. Its name is derived from the Latin umbellula, a small umbel, describing the flower cluster (inflorescence).
Other Common Names: acacia, acacia burl, balm-of-heaven, bay, bay laurel, bay tree, black laurel, black myrtle, cajeput, cajeput-tree, California bay, California bay tree, California laurel, California olive, California sassafras, Californian olive, laurel, mountain hemlock, mountain laurel, myrtle, myrtle tree, myrtly, Oregon mirt, Oregon myrtle, oreodaphne, Pacific myrtle, peppermintwood, pepperwood, spice tree, white laurel, white myrtle, yellow laurel, yellow myrtle.
Distribution: Pacific coast region of southwest Oregon, south mostly in coastal ranges to southern California; in the Sierra Nevada to central California.
The Tree: The tree grows to 80 ft (24 m) in height and 3 ft (1 m) in diameter. California laurel grows at elevations from sea level to over 6,000 ft (1,828 m). It is tolerant of various soil types and conditions. California laurel grows in many habitats, from flatlands to mountain slopes; the best conditions are alluvial deposits from streams and rivers. It grows in association with coastal redwood, sequoia, Port Orford cedar and Douglas-fir. The trees are slow-growing and have multiple trunks in poorer soils. The leaves are used by spice companies as “bay” leaves. The leaves are evergreen and glossy, while the flowers are small and yellowish green. The tree produces spherical purplish fruits. This species is planted as an ornamental shrub in warmer climates of the south and west. The small twigs are pale green, turning reddish brown over time. The bark is a dark red-brown and sometimes an inch
(25 mm) thick.
General Wood Characteristics: The sapwood of California laurel is thick and whitish to light brown, while the heartwood is light brown to grayish brown to an olive color, with dark streaks. The wood has a strong, spicy odor. It darkens when soaked in water.
Weighta |
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Moisture content |
Specific gravity |
Weight |
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lb/ft3 |
kg/m3 |
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Green 12% Ovendry |
0.51 |
54 |
865 625 NA |
aReference (59). |
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Mechanical propertiesa
Property |
Green |
Dry |
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MOE |
0.72 x 106 lbf/in2 |
4.964 GPa |
0.94 x 106 lbf/in2 |
6.481 GPa |
MOR |
6.6 x 103 lbf/in2 |
45.507 MPa |
8.0 x 103 lbf/in2 |
55.160 MPa |
C| | |
3.02 x 103 lbf/in2 |
20.823 MPa |
5.64 x 103 lbf/in2 |
38.888 MPa |
C ⊥ |
0.80 x 103 lbf/in2 |
5.516 MPa |
1.40 x 103 lbf/in2 |
9.653 MPa |
WML |
16.8 in-lbf/in3 |
115.836 kJ/m3 |
8.2 in-lbf/in3 |
56.539 kJ/m3 |
Hardness |
1,000 lbf |
4,448.00 N |
1,270 lbf |
5,648.96 N |
Shear| | |
1.27 x 103 lbf/in2 |
8.756 MPa |
1.86 x 103 lbf/in2 |
12.824 MPa |
aReference (59).
Drying and shrinkagea,b
Type of shrinkage |
Percentage of shrinkage |
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0% MC |
6% MC |
20% MC |
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Tangential |
8.1 |
6.8 |
2.8 |
Radial |
2.8 |
2.3 |
1.0 |
Volumetric |
11.9 |
9.9 |
4.1 |
aDifficult to season while bringing out the best colors. Should be submerged when green, with very slow, controlled drying.
bReferences: 0% MC, (59); 6% and 20% MC, (90).
Kiln drying schedulea
4/4, 5/4, 6/4 8/4 10/4 12/4 16/4
Condition stock stock stock stock stock
Standard T6-A4 T5-A3 NA NA NA
aReferences (6, 86).
Working Properties: California laurel is easily worked and takes a high polish. Durability: The heartwood is very resistant to decay.
Preservation: No information available at this time.
Uses: Veneer (burls for cabinetry), novelties, candlesticks, bowls, plates, woodenware, turnery, furniture squares, cabinetwork, interior trim. Used under the keel to launch ships.
Toxicity: Can be an irritant (64, 105).
Page url: http://www.fsclumber.us?californialaurelumbellulari.htm
