California Laurel

Umbellularia californica

California Laurel (Umbellularia californica) is a landscape plant valued for its form and structure as much as its bloom. It reaches roughly 80 ft at maturity and blooms in spring. Match it to full sun to part shade and keep the root zone consistently moist. One caveat worth knowing before you plant: parts of this species carry a toxicity flag (low), so keep it away from pets and kids who chew on landscape plants. Given a spot that matches its light and water needs, it is a dependable, low-drama addition to the yard.