A bushy tree with dark green leathery leaves highly aromatic when crushed. Small clusters of yellowish flowers appear among the leaves from February to April. The bark is grey-black and shiny and the fruit is a black berry.

The fragrant oil of bay is extracted from the fruits of laurel and is effective in the treatment of rheumatism. It is also used in many cosmetic creams and hair lotions. Oil of bay is also used to treat lice infections and pediculosis. The leaves of the laurel are used to flavour food. The laurel was considered sacred to the Greek and Roman god Apollo and garlands of bay leaves were used to decorate victors. In latter days scholars and poets would wear wreaths of laurel when receiving honours, the term "baccalaureate" deriving from this practice. The wood is hard wearing and used for making walking and fire sticks. uses: culinary (fûszernövény) sun: partial shade (félárnyék)