Native to northern California and Oregon, this hardwood shrub in the laurel family grows in sunny or shady hillside forests.  I’ve seen it in moist coastal forests as well as in sun drenched clearings in dry forests down south.  I appreciate all the common names for this great plant: California bay, bay laurel, myrtlewood, Oregon myrtle, and pepperwood.

This shrub has some of the most fragrant leaves on any plant I know.  The aroma is an unforgettable combination of eucalyptus, cedar, pine, cinnamon, and clove.  In a sunny place, it produces hearty nuts in fall with a similar aroma.  I relish roasted bay nuts, especially covered in chocolate - what a combination!!