Reaches 15–25 feet tall. This Mediterranean native has a natural habit that is compact and multi-stemmed, with a broad base. It often represents a gradually tapering cone. Leathery, aromatic leaves are the traditional bay leaves of cookery—oval, 2–4 inches long, and dark green (it's always nice when street trees offer
urban foraging opps). Clusters of small yellow spring flowers are followed by black or dark purple fruit.
Drought-tolerant once established; also tolerates sandy or rocky soil, salty air, wind, smog, and temperature extremes.