Definition

Noun 1. An aromatic evergreen tree native to the Pacific coast of North America: The California bay tree is a tree species characterized by aromatic leaves, clusters of small flowers, and fruit resembling olives. It produces a durable, hard wood.

Examples of Usage

• The forest was filled with the distinctive scent of the California bay tree.
• California bay tree wood is prized for its toughness and is sometimes used in woodworking.
• Hikers often crush the leaves of the California bay tree to enjoy their strong, spicy aroma.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe related things.
  • The recipe called for a California bay tree leaf, which is more pungent than the Mediterranean variety.
• In botanical or ecological contexts: Used to specify the species within scientific or descriptive writing about regional flora.
  • The coastal ecosystem is dominated by redwoods and the California bay tree.

Variants and Related Words

• Umbellularia californica: The scientific (Latin) name for the California bay tree.
• California laurel: A common alternative name for the same tree.
• Oregon myrtle: Another regional name, particularly used in the northern part of its range.
• Pepperwood: A less common regional name for the tree.

Synonyms

• California laurel
• Oregon myrtle
• Pepperwood

Related Phrases

• Bay leaf: While often referring to the leaf of the Mediterranean bay laurel (), this phrase can also refer to the leaf of the California bay tree, especially in regional cooking. The California bay leaf is notably stronger in flavor.
  • Use only half a leaf if substituting a California bay tree leaf for the traditional bay leaf in the recipe.

Noun

1. Pacific coast tree having aromatic foliage and small umbellate flowers followed by olivelike fruit; yields a hard tough wood