Bay Leaves
laurus nobilis



Habitat
Shores of the Mediterranean.

HISTORY
use of Bay leaves reaches back centuries.
Bay leaves were used as a medicinal remedy as well as
a cooking herb by different cultures around the world.

Plant in pot for indoor cultivaton.

The leaves of this tree are used medicinally for it’s herbal properties.

The Bay Tree has dark green oval leaves,
small yellow flowers and produces dark purple black fruit.

It can grow up to fifty feet high,
but most Bay Trees only grow a height of 20 feet.

Description
The Sweet Bay is a small tree, growing in Britain
to a height of about 25 feet, but in warmer climates
reaching as much as 60 feet.

The smooth bark may be olive-green or of a reddish hue.

The luxurious, evergreen leaves are alternate,
with short stalks, lanceolate, 3 to 4 inches long,
the margin smooth and wavy.

They are thick, smooth, and of a shining, dark green color.

The flowers are small, yellow and unisexual,
and grow in small clusters.

The shrub has been cultivated in Britain
since the sixteenth century.

It is the source of the ancients' crowns and wreaths
for heroes and poets, and the modern term of 'bachelor,'
given for degrees, is probably derived from bacca-laureus,
or laurel-berry, through the French bachelier.

Delphic priestesses are said to have made use of the leaves.

It grows well under the shade of other trees
if they are not too close, and is useful in evergreen plantations.

Leaves are much used in cookery for flavoring.
They are often packed
with stick liquorice or dried figs.

They are used fresh, and may be gathered all the year round.

Volatile oil is sometimes used in perfumery.

Dried, black, aromatic berries come
from Provence, Spain, Italy and Morocco.
They are ovoid, and the kernel of the seed is loose.

Wood is sweet-scented, and is used for marqueterie work.

Onguent de Laurier is prepared from the oil
with axonge and the coloring and scenting
principles of the leaves and fruit.