Umbellularia: Difference between revisions
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'''''Umbellularia californica''''' is a [[tree]] native to coastal forests of western [[North America]]. Its pungent leaves have a similar flavor to [[bay leaf|bay leaves]] (though stronger), and it may be mistaken for [[Bay Laurel]]. |
'''''Umbellularia californica''''' is a [[tree]] native to coastal forests of western [[North America]]. Its pungent leaves have a similar flavor to [[bay leaf|bay leaves]] (though stronger), and it may be mistaken for [[Bay Laurel]]. |
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In [[Oregon]], this tree is known as '''Oregon Myrtle''', while in [[California]] it is called '''California Bay Laurel''', which may be shortened to '''California Bay''' or '''California Laurel'''. It has also been called '''Pepperwood''' and '''Headache Tree''' |
In [[Oregon]], this tree is known as '''Oregon Myrtle''', while in [[California]] it is called '''California Bay Laurel''', which may be shortened to '''California Bay''' or '''California Laurel'''. It has also been called '''Pepperwood''' and '''Headache Tree'''. |
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It is the sole species in the genus '''''Umbellularia'''''. It ranges near the coast from [[Douglas County, Oregon]] south through [[California]] to [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]. It is also found in the western foothills of the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] mountains. It occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 1600 m. |
It is the sole species in the genus '''''Umbellularia'''''. It ranges near the coast from [[Douglas County, Oregon]] south through [[California]] to [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]. It is also found in the western foothills of the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] mountains. It occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 1600 m. |
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It is an [[evergreen]] tree growing to 30 m tall (exceptionally 45 m) with a trunk up to 80 cm thick. The [[leaf|leaves]] are smooth-edged and lens shaped, 3–10 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, similar to the related [[Bay Laurel]] though usually narrower, and without the crinkled margin of that species. The [[flower]]s are small, yellow or yellowish-green, produced in a small [[umbel]] (hence the scientific name ''Umbellularia'', "little umbel"). The [[fruit]] is a round and green [[berry]] 2–2.5 cm long and 2 cm broad, lightly spotted with yellow, maturing purple. It consists of a fleshy covering over a single hard, thin-shelled seed. The California Bay is the primary foliar host for [[Sudden Oak Death]] (SOD). |
It is an [[evergreen]] tree growing to 30 m tall (exceptionally 45 m) with a trunk up to 80 cm thick. The [[leaf|leaves]] are smooth-edged and lens shaped, 3–10 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, similar to the related [[Bay Laurel]] though usually narrower, and without the crinkled margin of that species. The [[flower]]s are small, yellow or yellowish-green, produced in a small [[umbel]] (hence the scientific name ''Umbellularia'', "little umbel"). The [[fruit]] is a round and green [[berry]] 2–2.5 cm long and 2 cm broad, lightly spotted with yellow, maturing purple. It consists of a fleshy covering over a single hard, thin-shelled seed. The California Bay is the primary foliar host for [[Sudden Oak Death]] (SOD). |
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==Uses== |
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[[Image:CaliforniaBayLaurelFlowers crwb.jpg|thumb|left|Flowers open in late winter and early spring.]] |
[[Image:CaliforniaBayLaurelFlowers crwb.jpg|thumb|left|Flowers open in late winter and early spring.]] |
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According to Collins Gem SAS Survival Guide, the Oregon Myrtle contains irritant or poisonous substances and no part of them should be consumed as food. See references below. |
According to Collins Gem SAS Survival Guide, the Oregon Myrtle contains irritant or poisonous substances and no part of them should be consumed as food. See references below. |
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The leaf was used by western U.S Native Americans as a cure for headache, toothache, and earache—though the volatile oils in the leaves may also cause headaches when used in excess. Native Americans also ate the ripe fruits. The leaf is sometimes used in cooking, but is much stronger than the more commercially available [[European Bay]] leaf.<ref>{{cite book|last=Vizgirdas|first=Ray S.|coauthors=Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas|title=Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada|publisher=University of Nevada Press|date=2006|pages=108|isbn=9780874175356|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=4fYHi-Eyyt4C&pg=PA108&dq=%22california+laurel%22+headache&ei=XQVZSeDUD5SyMOnZpI0O&client=firefox-a}}</ref> |
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Other sources indicate it may be used in cooking and woodworking. The leaves are used as a flavoring agent in cooking, just as [[Bay leaf|bay leaves]]. The wood is very hard and fine, and is made into bowls, spoons, and other small items and sold as "myrtlewood". It is also grown as an [[ornamental tree]], both in its native area, and elsewhere further north up the Pacific coast to [[Vancouver, British Columbia|Vancouver]] in [[Canada]], and in western [[Europe]]. |
Other sources indicate it may be used in cooking and woodworking. The leaves are used as a flavoring agent in cooking, just as [[Bay leaf|bay leaves]]. The wood is very hard and fine, and is made into bowls, spoons, and other small items and sold as "myrtlewood". It is also grown as an [[ornamental tree]], both in its native area, and elsewhere further north up the Pacific coast to [[Vancouver, British Columbia|Vancouver]] in [[Canada]], and in western [[Europe]]. |
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Revision as of 19:28, 29 December 2008
| Umbellularia californica | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage and flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | Umbellularia (C.G.D.Nees) Nuttall
|
| Species: | U. californica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Umbellularia californica | |
Umbellularia californica is a tree native to coastal forests of western North America. Its pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves (though stronger), and it may be mistaken for Bay Laurel.
In Oregon, this tree is known as Oregon Myrtle, while in California it is called California Bay Laurel, which may be shortened to California Bay or California Laurel. It has also been called Pepperwood and Headache Tree.
It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia. It ranges near the coast from Douglas County, Oregon south through California to San Diego County. It is also found in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 1600 m.
It is an evergreen tree growing to 30 m tall (exceptionally 45 m) with a trunk up to 80 cm thick. The leaves are smooth-edged and lens shaped, 3–10 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, similar to the related Bay Laurel though usually narrower, and without the crinkled margin of that species. The flowers are small, yellow or yellowish-green, produced in a small umbel (hence the scientific name Umbellularia, "little umbel"). The fruit is a round and green berry 2–2.5 cm long and 2 cm broad, lightly spotted with yellow, maturing purple. It consists of a fleshy covering over a single hard, thin-shelled seed. The California Bay is the primary foliar host for Sudden Oak Death (SOD).
Uses
According to Collins Gem SAS Survival Guide, the Oregon Myrtle contains irritant or poisonous substances and no part of them should be consumed as food. See references below.
The leaf was used by western U.S Native Americans as a cure for headache, toothache, and earache—though the volatile oils in the leaves may also cause headaches when used in excess. Native Americans also ate the ripe fruits. The leaf is sometimes used in cooking, but is much stronger than the more commercially available European Bay leaf.[1]
Other sources indicate it may be used in cooking and woodworking. The leaves are used as a flavoring agent in cooking, just as bay leaves. The wood is very hard and fine, and is made into bowls, spoons, and other small items and sold as "myrtlewood". It is also grown as an ornamental tree, both in its native area, and elsewhere further north up the Pacific coast to Vancouver in Canada, and in western Europe.
Pathology
California Bay Laurel is an important host of Sudden oak death and often reside in forests with Tanoaks, which are also vulnerable to the disease.
References
- Flora of North America: Umbellularia californica
- Jepson Flora Project: Umbellularia californica
- "Paleotechnics: The California Bay Laurel"
- "Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines"
- UC Tries to Stop Northward Movement of Sudden Oak Death
External links
- MeSH: Umbellularia - Umbellularia californica (California Bay Laurel)
- ^ Vizgirdas, Ray S. (2006). Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada. University of Nevada Press. p. 108. ISBN 9780874175356.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help)