Kingdom: Plantae

Sub kingdom: Tracheobionta 

Superdivision:   Spermatophyta 

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Subclass:  Magnoliidae 

Order: Laurales 

Family:  Lauraceae 

Genus:  Umbellularia 

Species:  Umbellularia california 

• Aromatic: California Bay Laurel leaves and bark are very spicy in odor from volatile oils. - Medicinal: Traditionally used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes. 

• Toxicity: The seeds and foliage contain compounds that can be toxic when consumed in large amounts.

•  Habitat: On moist, shady sites in canyons, valleys, and along streams in the Coast Ranges of California and Oregon. 

• Distribution: Confined to the Pacific Coast of North America, primarily in the coastal ranges from southern Oregon to central California. 

Industrial Uses:

•  Wood: California Bay Laurel produces significant amounts of very hard and durable wood, reversible to useful ends/applications, such as making tool handles, furniture, and wooden decorations. 

•  The oils are extracted for use in perfumes, soaps, and other aromatherapy products due to its aromatic characteristics.

Pharmaceutical Uses:

•  Traditional Medicine: Historically used by Native American tribes in cases of cold, headache, rheumatism, and digestive problems. 

•  Modern Research: Its bioactive compounds make it of potential applicability in pharmacology, although some usages of the plant by modern pharmaceuticals require further research to validate them.

Pharmacological Uses:

• Antibacterial and antifungal: Particular studies have described herbs as having antimicrobial properties due to their essential oils. 

• Anti-inflammatory: This is used traditionally and thus may show some anti-inflammatory activity, probably due to volatile oil content. 

• Antioxidant: Rich in compounds with antioxidant activity, thus offering medicinal potential. 

•  Ficus microcarpa contains various phytochemicals, including: 

• Flavonoids 

• Tannins 

• Terpenoids 

• Steroids 

• Glycosides