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Is this a Bay tree? It drops it's leaves in winter. #764122

Asked July 26, 2021, 9:46 PM EDT

I have a tree in my front yard. It looks like a type of BAY tree, (as in Bay leaves that can be used in cooking?) I have harvested leaves from a California Bay tree when I was a teenager hiking in the mountains. To my knowledge, true Bay trees are evergreen and thrive near water. This tree drops it's leaves in winter, so I don't know about this tree. Are the leaves edible as a drop-in spice like a bay leaf after they have been dehydrated? If so, I would be happy. But I don't want to dry the leaves and poison my family accidentally.

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi John! I'm checking on this but I'm stumped. Everything I've found says Bay trees (Laurus Nobilis) is an evergreen so it shouldn't lose its leaves in the winter. But it is only hardy in zones 8-10 (Central Ohio is zone 6A until Climate Change warms us up a bit more). It is a tree that has shallow roots so it needs frequent watering in the summer (or like you saw it thriving near streams). 

Before you eat any part of the tree, make sure you know what type of tree it is as other Laurel trees are toxic.

So I'll keep researching but I didn't want you to think we forgot about your question.  k

Karen M Replied July 29, 2021, 12:06 PM EDT

I have an answer!! DON'T eat the leaves as it is NOT a Bay tree. Your tree has been positively identified as a Blackgum/Tupelo tree (Nyssa Sylvatica). I've included a couple links to give you more info on the tree.

Street Trees Part 11 – Nyssa-Black Gum and Liquidambar- Sweet Gum | BYGL (osu.edu)

Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum, Black Gum, Black Tupelo, Nyssa, Pepperidge, Sour Gum) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)

Thank you for helping me learn something new!!

Karen M Replied August 02, 2021, 1:07 PM EDT

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