Laurel
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Description
An aromatic evergreen tree, Laurus nobilis, native to the Mediterranean region. The laurel tree, or bay laurel, is grown commercially for the aromatic oil that is pressed from its berries. The leaves are used for cooking as well as medicinally as an aqueous extract. When simmered, its leaves create a mild mustard-yellow to beige dye bath that contains tannic acid. The wood from the laurel tree is strong and elastic. It is typically used for small novelties, carving and marquetry.
See also California laurel.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Laurus nobilis; laurier (Fr.); laurel (Esp.); loureiro vulgar (Port.); alloro (It.); bay laurel; sweet bay; True laurel, Grecian laurel
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Variable evergreen shrub or small tree (7-18 m).
- Leaves = elliptical (6-12 cm) and aromatic when crushed.
- Fruit = berry-like drupe (1 cm) that contains one seed
- Density = 50 ppcf
- The dye will not color cotton
Resources and Citations
- Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
- F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965
- Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurus_nobilis Laurus nobilis (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006 and May 2026)
- The Plant Lady: select Natural Dye Table