The California Bay tree is an evergreen tree that can reach sixty-five feet in height with a somewhat columnar form. Although it does not mind a fairly wet growing area, it is also very tolerant of drought. It is found for the most part within the Santa Monica Mountain range. This tree is relatively long-lived, approximately one hundred fifty years, but not in comparison to the native Oak species.

The California Bay is often contained within the Oak Woodland ecosystem. Its leaves, although not as popular as its relative Grecian Laurel, were used extensively by the indigenous Indian population in soups and stews.

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