California laurel

noun

1. Also called bay tree. a tree, Umbellularia californica, of the laurel family, native to the western coast of the U.S., having aromatic leaves and umbels of yellowish-green flowers.
2. the hard, golden-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture and decorative objects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of California laurel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Eagle Rock Brewery has made a new helles-style lager flavored with three California native plants: woolly bluecurls, California laurel and black sage.

From Los Angeles Times

Eagle Rock Brewery has made a new Helles-style lager called Local Source flavored with three California native plants: woolly bluecurls, California laurel and black sage.

From Los Angeles Times

The interiors feature 18-foot ceilings, sliding glass walls, and rich wood accents—such as the California laurel entry doors to the master suite.

From Architectural Digest

The California laurel is shaking out a delicious, penetrating odor from its countless blossoms.

From Project Gutenberg

The California laurel climbs the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada from the forests of southwestern Oregon to the San Bernardino range near Los Angeles.

From Project Gutenberg