The term “laurel” causes confusion because it refers to both a specific, highly valued plant and a large, diverse botanical family. Historically associated with victory and flavor, the name is often mistakenly applied to several other plants that are not true laurels and can be toxic. To understand what a laurel is, it is necessary to distinguish the authentic, culinary species from the many unrelated plants that simply share the name.
Defining the True Laurel
The plant recognized as the true laurel is the Sweet Bay or Bay Laurel, scientifically named Laurus nobilis. This aromatic evergreen belongs to the Lauraceae family, which also includes plants like cinnamon and avocado.
The Laurus nobilis is a slow-growing tree or large shrub, typically reaching heights between 10 and 30 feet. Its leaves are leathery, thick, and glossy dark green, growing in an elliptic to oval shape, typically measuring 2 to 5 inches long. When crushed, they release a distinct, aromatic fragrance.
The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, thriving in coastal and temperate climates. Small, pale yellow-green flowers appear in clusters in the spring, followed by single-seeded purple-black berries on female plants.
Culinary and Aromatic Applications
The primary use of Laurus nobilis is culinary, where its dried leaves are known as bay leaves. The leaves impart a pungent, slightly bitter, and floral flavor to dishes, often described as having hints of pine and camphor.
Bay leaves are a staple seasoning for soups, stews, sauces, and meat preparations. Dried leaves are preferred over fresh ones because the drying process concentrates their aromatic compounds, which are volatile oils.
Beyond the kitchen, the laurel’s essential oil is extracted for use in the cosmetic industry. It is incorporated into soaps, perfumes, and hair lotions.
The Laurel Family and Common Misnomers
The name “laurel” is a common source of confusion because it is loosely applied to many plants with similar foliage that belong to entirely different botanical families. This misnaming is hazardous because several false laurels are highly toxic if ingested.
One concerning misnomer is the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), an ornamental shrub containing toxic cyanogenic glycosides. When the leaves or seeds are digested, these compounds release hydrogen cyanide. Cherry Laurel leaves are morphologically similar to true laurel but release a distinct almond scent when rubbed.
Another plant commonly referred to by the name is Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), an attractive flowering shrub native to the eastern United States. This species is highly toxic, as all its parts contain grayanotoxins, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and muscle tremors. Even Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia), a species of oak tree, is sometimes confused with the true laurel.
Symbolism and Historical Significance
The laurel’s enduring cultural significance stems from its revered status in classical antiquity, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome. In Greek mythology, the laurel became associated with the god Apollo after the nymph Daphne transformed into the tree to escape his pursuit.
Apollo adopted the laurel as his sacred plant and wore a wreath of its leaves to commemorate her. This established the laurel as a symbol of honor, poetry, and victory, especially in the Pythian Games.
The Romans adopted this tradition, using the laurel wreath to crown successful commanders during their triumphs and as a symbol of military victory. Because the leaves remain green year-round, the plant also came to symbolize immortality and eternity.
The association with achievement extended into academia, giving rise to the term “baccalaureate,” derived from the Latin for “laurel berries.” This connection persists in modern traditions, where the laurel wreath or its image represents high achievement and excellence.