Sweet bay

Laurus nobilis

Also known as Bay tree, Bay laurel, True laurel, Laurus angusta

Zones 4–9Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare Moderate

Indoor Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Bay Laurel · Culinary Herb · Mediterranean · Evergreen · Container Plant · Cooking · Aromatic · Shrub · Edible · Lauraceae

IndoorMedicinalAttracts pollinators

Toxicity: dogs, cats, horses — keep out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.

In stock at 3 nurseriesStock updated 9/10/2026

Sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) is a versatile Mediterranean herb grown as a shrub or small tree in garden borders or containers. It prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position with partial sun, and should be watered regularly during the growing season while allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Harvest leaves year-round for culinary use and prune lightly in spring to maintain a tidy shape.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 5 hours
Watering: Water moderately, keeping soil evenly moist but never waterlogged · Every 7-10 days
Maintenance: Moderate
Soil pH: 5.5–6.5
Temperature: -30°F to 95°F
Cycle: Perennial

Hardiness

USDA 4a-9b

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Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Spacing: 36 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Flowers: No

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, Palestine
Attracts: Bees, Birds

Sources: trefle, usda, aspca