General: Small frost-sensitive tree with narrow oval leaves that are used dried for culinary flavor; a staple in French cooking. Sometimes used for topiary. Bay laurel is a tender plant that needs winter protection indoors or in the greenhouse.

Culinary Uses: Widely used as spice and flavor. The dried leaves are use as seasoning for pies, soups, sauces, marinades, stews, and pickles. The leaves should be used sparingly in cooking and from the start as they emit taste slowly.

Medicinal Uses: Helps to relieve ailments in the upper part of the digestive tract. Also used for flu, bronchitis and to stimulate appetite by increasing the secretion of digestive fluids.

Ornamental Uses: The bark is smooth and reddish-brown and the leaves are lance shaped and leathery with a shiny upper side and matted undersides.