| Botanical Name: |
| Laurus nobilis |
| Common names: |
| Sweet Bay |
| Description: |
| Sweet Bay is a popular choice for herb gardens not only for it's culinary, medicinal and craft uses, but because its aromatic woody branches and dark green, glossy leaves can be trimmed and trained in order to make whimsical designs, stylish patio plants or formal topiaries. Sweet Bay is also a versatile shrub in that it can be allowed to grow very large, or kept to a height of 6 feet with regular trimming and pruning. |
| Life Cycle: |
| tender shrub |
| Exposure: |
| full sun to partial shade |
| Cultivation: |
| Sweet Bay cannot tolerate cold temperatures or strong winds. It prefers well drained soil and should be given shelter from wind and potted and taken indoors during the winter. Sweet Bay is hardy to zone 7 and south. |
| Propagation: |
| seeds and cuttings (preferred method) |
| Parts Used: |
| leaves, sweet woody fragrance |
| Harvesting and Storage: |
| cut fresh leaves for use as needed |
| Medicinal Uses: |
| leaves are used as a mild sedative and for treating stomach upsets or as an antiseptic |
| Culinary Uses |
| flavoring meat dishes, sauces, and soups |
| Other Uses: |
| Bay can be used for making wreaths and potpourri, to prevent silverfish from damaging books and clothes and to repel weevils in the pantry. |
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