Bay laurel is an aromatic evergreen tree in the flowering Lauraceae family. It features shiny, dark green oval-shaped leaves with a leathery texture that are popularly used as a kitchen seasoning.

Native to the Mediterranean region, it’s considered to be one of the oldest of cultivated trees. Other common names include sweet, true, and Grecian laurel.

Highly prized as an ornamental, L. nobilis is often trimmed into topiary shapes, and the trunks can be trained into braids and spirals. They also do very well in containers, making a handsome specimen for the patio, or simply to keep nearby as a kitchen herb.

And their beautiful glossy leaves make a handsome, long-lasting addition to bouquets of cut flowers