Bay Laurel, the Sacred Tree

“The true matrix of human life is the greensward covering mother earth”. P. Tompkins

Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel is an evergreen tree native to Southern Europe, and now found throughout the world.

The bay tree was sacred to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, poetry and healing. His prophecies were communicated through his priestess at Delphi, who among other rituals, ate a bay leaf before expounding her oracle. As bay leaves are slightly narcotic in very large doses, they may have induced her trance state. Apollo’s temple at Delphi had its roof made entirely of bay leaves for protection against disease, witchcraft and lightening.

This ancient plant was also much respected in Roman times. The Latin laurus means “praise” and nobilis; “renowned”. A bay wreath became a mark of excellence for poets and athletes, a symbol of wisdom and glory. The Latin laureate means “crowned with laurels”, hence poet laureate.

In the 17th century, Culpeper wrote that “neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightening, will hurt a man in the place where a bay tree is”.

Bay laurel can grow up to 26 feet with a spread of up to 12 feet. The evergreen leaves are fragrant, pointed, oval, glossy dark green with olive-green undersides. Small pale yellow waxy flowers bloom in the spring with green oval berries turning black in autumn.

Bay sets seed in its black berries. Sow fresh seed in the spring on the surface of either a seed or plug tray or directly into pots. Keep the tempature at around 65 degrees F (21 degrees C). Germination is quite erratic, and may take place within 10 days or up to 6 months. Make sure the soil is not too wet or the seeds will rot.

Bay is shallow-rooted and therefore more prone to frost damage. In severe winters the leaves will turn brown, but don’t despair, come spring, it will shoot new growth from the base of the plant. To encourage this, cut nearly down to the base. Protection by straw or mulch is essential during the winter months.

When planting out in the spring, position the plant in full sun, protected from the wind in a rich well-drained soil. Add mulch to retain moisture throughout the summer months.

Bay makes a great container plant. Young plants benefit from being kept in a container and indoors for the winter in cooler climates. Do not water too much and let the soil dry out in the winter months.

Large standard bays look very effective in half barrels or containers of an equal size. To create a standard bay tree, start with a young plant in a container with a straight growing stem. As it begins to grow, remove the lower side shoots, below where you want the ball to begin. Allow the tree to grow to about 8 inches higher than desired, then clip back the growing tip. Cut the remaining side shoots down to about 3 leaves. When the side shoots have grown a further 4 – 5 leaves, trim again to 2 – 3 leaves. Keep repeating this until you have a leafy ball shape. Once the shape is established prune in late spring and again in late summer to maintain it.

Place a bay leaf in flour to deter weevils. Use in soups, stuffing, stews and marinades. Add the leaves to poached fish, like salmon. Boil in milk to flavor custards and rice pudding. The fresh leaves are quite stronger in flavor than dried ones. It is well worth growing as a lovely houseplant.