LAURUS NOBILIS

FAMILY :: LAURACEAE
BAY LAUREL, NOBLE BAY, SWEET-BAY: The source of imported (see Umbelluliferae californica for domestic) bay leaf seasoning. During the Middle Ages, the leaves of this plant were used to resist witchcraft and to keep away evil and fleas. In ancient Greece it was sacred to the god Apollo and the leaves and seeds were burned as an incense to aid clairvoyancy and divination.

May be grown outdoors (as a tree to 30′) in most of the mild temperate and sub-tropical regions. In the northern latitudes, grow in a tub as a shrub. Easy to grow in most soils. Give sun or part shade and moderately rich, damp soil.