Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous smooth leaves, in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking.
Best known as a seasoning, bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree that is native to the Mediterranean area. Although bay can grow into a tall tree, it is often kept smaller by pruning or by confining it in a container. Because bay is a very slow grower, it can be grown as an ornamental and it is even more suited to growing in a pot. It has attractive foliage and can easily be pruned and sheared into topiary shapes. In the spring, sweet bay has small yellow flowers which develop into purple berries in the fall. Bay laurels are versatile plants that can thrive indoors and out. They make attractive houseplants but they will benefit from some summer sun. The leaves will produce the best flavor if the plant is given full sun for a portion of the year.
