Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilitie produces the "bay leaf" you know and love in your favorite recipes or herbal remedies. It is a multi-functional bush that grows quite well in Texas but will occasionally die back or need to be taken inside during freezes.

Both fresh and dried bay leaves can be used in cooking, but the fresh leaves tend to have a stronger flavor.

• Plant: March through September in Zone 8b. Partial shade to full sun preferred.
• Harvest/Prune: Leaves can be harvested year-round, but May to July, when new growth appears is best in Zone 8b.
• Interest: large, tall bushy green growth that can reach 15' high and 5' wide.