Useful and Edible Plants of California / California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica)

• Grows in moist soils, especially in mountain canyons, valleys and foothills.
• Leaves were used to repel fleas and lice.
• Nuts were baked or roasted to a brown color, then cracked and eaten.
• Leaves were used in cooking for flavor additive (taste the same as European bay leaves, but stronger).
• The wood was made into bows.