Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database
Umbellularia californica (Oregon Myrtle)

 

Kingdom

 : 

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

 : 

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

 : 

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

 : 

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

 : 

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

 : 

 Magnoliidae

Order

 : 

 Laurales

Family

 : 

 Lauraceae – Laurel family

Genus

 : 

 Umbellularia (Nees) Nutt. – California laurel

Species

 : 

 Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt. – California laurel

An outstanding broad-leaved evergreen tree, Oregon Myrtle is a treasure in the landscape, with its glossy green leaves, dark berries and aromatic foliage.

Found only in California and Oregon, this tree is hardy to USDA zone 7.

In the interior of its range, it grows slowly, but on the coast it grows quickly to reach heights of 60 - 100' and a width of 20,' with multiple stems and beautiful patterns in the wood. It will be quite stunted in full sun.

This tree is a riparian species and is superb species for wetland restoration projects or as a hedge in a moist, shaded site.

The fragrant foliage has been used medicinally but is toxic to some people.
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