California Bay
Umbellularia californica
Family: Lauraceae
Other Common Names: California bay laurel, California laurel, pepperwood, spicebush, cinnamon bush, peppernut tree, headache tree, mountain laurel, balm of heaven
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2026
Native to: Coastal California and south eastern Oregon
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact Scott Batiuk via sbatiuk@parametrix.com to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
An evergreen tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall
Flower Description
Clusters of yellow or yellow green flowers, each with 6 round petals
Leaf description
Leaves are fragrant and lance-shaped
Fruit Seed Description
Fleshy fruit that starts green and ripens to brown, around a hard brown nut
Additional Photos
