Description
An evergreen tree with a height and spread of 16ft by 14ft over 20 years. It has a solid, round, rich purple-brown stem which turns woody and grey with age. Small whitish-yellow flowers grow in clusters in spring - early summer. If the summer is warm and dry, small purple-black, ovoid berries will follow. The leaves are leathery, lanceolate, pointed, glossy dark green with an olive green underside. Cold winds turn the leaves brown at the edges, then kills them but the roots of a mature bay are hardy.

Cultivation

Site:	Prefers full sun and rich, moist, well drained soil. Protect from wind. and frost.
Propagation:	Take 4" (10cm) semi-hard cuttings or layer in summer. Put cuttings in a heated propagator with high humidity. Can be grown from seed sown in spring but it is difficult.
General Care:	Transplant to 4ft (1.2m) apart for 1st two years. Can be container grown, bring indoors if the temperature drops below 5oF/-15oC.
Harvest:	Pick leaves as required.

Preservation: Dry leaves in dark, or quickly in a cool oven, or press. Use to flavour vinegar.

Warning: All laurels except this one, Sweet Bay, are poisonous!