The term “laurel tree” often leads to botanical confusion, applied to many plants that share a similar appearance but are not closely related. This usage is misleading, especially when distinguishing between a harmless culinary herb and a toxic ornamental. The true laurel, known for centuries of history and culinary use, is specifically identified as Laurus nobilis. Understanding the distinct biological features of this plant helps avoid misidentification from other species commonly labeled as laurel.
Defining the Bay Laurel
The authentic laurel is the Bay Laurel, or Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis), native to the Mediterranean region. This evergreen tree or large shrub is the source of the aromatic bay leaves used globally in cooking. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 60 feet tall, though it is often cultivated to remain smaller.
The leaves are leathery, glossy, dark green, and typically oblong or elliptic, measuring two to four inches long. When crushed, they release a distinctly fragrant, camphoraceous aroma due to their essential oil content. The tree is dioecious, meaning individual plants bear either male or female flowers, which are small and pale yellowish-green.
If a female tree is pollinated, the flowers produce small, single-seeded purple-black berries. Laurus nobilis leaves are the only ones traditionally used for culinary purposes, imparting a subtle, herbal flavor to soups and stews. This true laurel belongs to the family Lauraceae.
Distinguishing True Laurels from Toxic Look-Alikes
Confusion over the name “laurel” poses a safety concern, as several unrelated plants with similar foliage are poisonous. The most common misidentification involves the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), often sold as an ornamental hedge. Despite its common name, Cherry Laurel is in the rose family (Rosaceae) and contains cyanogenic glycosides throughout its parts, including the leaves and seeds.
When Prunus laurocerasus tissues are damaged or ingested, these glycosides release hydrogen cyanide, which is highly toxic. Crushing Cherry Laurel leaves often produces a noticeable almond-like scent, contrasting with the Bay Laurel’s camphoraceous fragrance. Physically, the Bay Laurel leaf has an entire, smooth margin, whereas the Cherry Laurel leaf may show a slightly serrated edge.
The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States, is another plant frequently called laurel. This plant is in the heath family (Ericaceae) and contains grayanotoxin. Ingestion of any part of Mountain Laurel can be deadly to humans and livestock, causing difficulty breathing and cardiac distress. Mountain Laurel is easily distinguished by its showy clusters of bell-shaped, pentagonal flowers in shades of pink or white, which bear no resemblance to the small, pale flowers of Laurus nobilis.
Growing and Maintaining the Bay Laurel
The Bay Laurel is a slow-growing plant versatile for cultivation in the ground or in containers. It thrives best in full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered location protected from harsh winds. The primary requirement for successful cultivation is well-drained soil, as the Bay Laurel is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Established trees in the ground can tolerate temperatures down to about 23°F (-5°C), making the Bay Laurel hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10. In cooler climates, container planting is the preferred method, allowing the plant to be moved indoors during winter to prevent frost damage. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the desired shape, as the plant is frequently used for topiary, clipped into formal shapes like standards or pyramids. Container-grown plants require more frequent summer watering than those in the ground but must be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Symbolic Meaning Through History
Long before its culinary use became widespread, the Bay Laurel held profound symbolic importance in classical Mediterranean cultures. Its evergreen nature made it a symbol of immortality, deeply associated with the Greek god Apollo. The mythical story of the nymph Daphne, who transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit, led the god to declare the tree sacred and wear its leaves as a wreath.
The laurel wreath was established as an emblem of victory, honor, and high achievement in ancient Greece and Rome. Victors in the Pythian Games and Roman emperors were crowned with these wreaths, signifying triumph and status. This tradition is the origin of modern terms like “poet laureate” and the phrase “resting on one’s laurels.” The Oracle of Delphi was also rumored to chew bay leaves before delivering prophecies, linking the plant to divination and spiritual insight.