Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.

Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt.. Umbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, and extending into the coastal forests southwestern Oregon and the mountains of northwestern Baja California. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia, in the laurel family Lauraceae. The tree's pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves, though stronger, and it may be mistaken for bay laurel.