Photo of Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188] foliage by Joshua McCullough

Photo by Joshua McCullough

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188]

Also Known As

  • Dwarf California Bay Laurel
  • Dwarf Oregon Myrtle

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188] plant details

Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188] is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with bronze and green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by green fruit. Features glossy texture. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188]

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: lauraceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: compact, culinary, dwarf, fragrant foliage, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188]

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A Cistus introduction. Another dwarf Oregon myrtle (or dwarf California bay), this one collected above the north fork of the Smith River just west of Oregon's Kalmiopsis Wilderness, each plant remaining under 4' in height. Another opportunity to have this wonderful species in the garden. Very good dense shrub, the evergreen leaves emerging bronze and aging to deep green. Small clusters of brush-like, yellow flowers produce shiny, green, nearly 1" “avocados” in autumn. Aromatic leaves can be used as seasoning (they are related to the Grecian Laurus nobilis). Should be an iconic shrub for the West Coast. Drought tolerant for sun or part shade. Frost hardy to -10 °F, USDA zone 5, at least.

Gardening facts about Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188] plant

How to Grow Umbellularia californica [dwarf form SBH 7188]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • green
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Umbellularia for your garden

aka California Bay Laurel, California Myrtle, Cinnamon Bush, Headache Tree, Oregon Myrtle, Peppernut Tree, Pepperwood, Spicebush

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 50'-100'

Width: 50'-100'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Umbellularia californica close-up, flower, foliage by The Marmot
View Plant

aka Dwarf California Bay, Dwarf Oregon Myrtle

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Umbellularia californica [SBH 7204 - dwarf form] flower by Joshua McCullough
View Plant

aka Dwarf California Bay, Dwarf Oregon Myrtle

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Umbellularia californica [dwarf form O'Brien Bog] flower, foliage by Eugene Zelenko
View Plant

aka Oreodaphne californica, Umbellularia californica 'fresnensis', Umbellularia californica var. fresnensis, CALIFORNIA BAY, California Bay, California Bay Laurel, California Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, Peppernut Tree, Pepperwood, Spicebush

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 30'-60'

Width: 20'-60'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Umbellularia californica [Fresno, CA] flower, foliage by US Government
View Plant

aka California Bay Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Herb

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 25'

Width: 25'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Umbellularia californica [SBH 9689] flower by Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area
View Plant
+3 more Umbellularia
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