Laurus nobilis
| Laurus nobilis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 39' |
| Width: | 33' |
| Speed: | Slow |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Laurus nobilis (common name: bay tree)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors[K].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Can take 6 months[2][3].
Cuttings of mature side shoots, 10 - 12cm with a heel, November/December in a cold frame. Leave for 18 months. High percentage[4].
Layering.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any soil of moderate fertility[2], preferring a moisture retentive well-drained fertile soil[1]. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers full sun but succeeds in light shade[1]. Plants are fairly wind hardy, but they do not like extreme maritime exposure[5] or cold dry winds[6].
The plant is not fully hardy in all areas of Britain and may require protection in severe winters. When dormant it is reliably hardy to about -5°c, with occasional lows to -15°c, these lower temperatures may defoliate the tree but it usually recovers in late spring to summer[1]. Laurus nobilis angustifolia (Syn 'Salicifolia') is somewhat hardier and has the same aromatic qualities[7].
The bay tree is a very ornamental plant[2] that is often cultivated for its leaves which are used as a food flavouring. Some named forms exist[6]. When bruised, the leaves release a sweet aromatic scent[8].
The tree is highly resistant to pests and diseases[3][9] and is also notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
This species has been held in high esteem since ancient times[10]. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and was also a symbol of peace and victory[10]. It was used to make wreaths for emperors, generals and poets[11][12][10].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: S. Europe.
Habitat: Damp rocks and ravines, thickets and old walls[12].
Edibility: Leaves - fresh or dried[13]. A spicy, aromatic flavouring, bay leaves are commonly used as a flavouring for soups, stews etc[14][11][15][16][17] and form an essential ingredient of the herb mix 'Bouquet Garni'[9][18]. The leaves can be used fresh or are harvested in the summer and dried. The flavour of freshly dried, crushed or shredded leaves is stronger than fresh leaves, but the leaves should not be stored for longer than a year since they will then lose their flavour[18].
The dried fruit is used as a flavouring[19][20][17].
The dried leaves are brewed into a herbal tea[17].
An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a food flavouring[17]. Yields can vary from 1 - 3% oil[14].
Medicinal: The bay tree has a long history of folk use in the treatment of many ailments, particularly as an aid to digestion and in the treatment of bronchitis and influenza[10]. It has also been used to treat various types of cancer[21]. The fruits and leaves are not usually administered internally, other than as a stimulant in veterinary practice, but were formerly employed in the treatment of hysteria, amenorrhoea, flatulent colic etc[22]. Another report says that the leaves are used mainly to treat upper respiratory tract disorders and to ease arthritic aches and pains[23]. It is settling to the stomach and has a tonic effect, stimulating the appetite and the secretion of digestive juices[23].
The leaves are antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic in large doses, emmenagogue, narcotic, parasiticide, stimulant and stomachic[22][14][13][24][21].
The fruit is antiseptic, aromatic, digestive, narcotic and stimulant[21]. An infusion has been used to improve the appetite and as an emmenagogue[22]. The fruit has also been used in making carminative medicines and was used in the past to promote abortion[22].
A fixed oil from the fruit is used externally to treat sprains, bruises etc, and is sometimes used as ear drops to relieve pain[22].
The essential oil from the leaves has narcotic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties[21].
Usage: An essential oil from the fruit is used in soap making[14][25][26].
The plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, it is said to protect neighbouring plants from insect and health problems[3]. The leaves are highly aromatic and can be used as an insect repellent, the dried leaves protect stored grain, beans etc from weevils[3]. It is also used as a strewing herb because of its aromatic smell and antiseptic properties[10].
Very tolerant of clipping[11][1], it can be grown as a screen or hedge in areas suited to its outdoor cultivation[7][1].
Wood - sweetly-scented, does not wear quickly. Used for marqueterie work, walking sticks and friction sticks for making fires[22][12].
Pollinators: Bees
Notes: We could supply this in the next catalogue.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Hylton, Josie and William Holtom. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press, 1979.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Taylor, Jane. The Milder Garden. Dent, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Davis, Brian. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking, 1990.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Allardice, Pamela. A-Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers, 1993.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press, 1987.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Bryan, John and Coralie Castle. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Nicholson, Barbara and Stephen Harrison. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press, 1975.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Brouk, Bohuslav. Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press, 1975.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Westwood, Christine. Aromatherapy - A Guide for Home Use. Amberwood Publishing, 1993.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.