Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

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.