Quick answer: California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is native to 3 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Dcrjsr, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Moist soils, tolerates serpentine |
| Bloom | Jan-May, Dec |
| Height | Typically 20-45 ft, rarely to 150 ft |
| Wildlife value | wildlife use not specified |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Also listed under
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