Botany - Bay Laurel

Scientific name Laurus nobilis
Appearance Shrub or small tree with evergreen foliage, leathery, elongated and shiny leaves, discreet yellow-green flowers in axillary clusters, bluish-black oval berries when ripe
Smell Aromatic, warm and slightly spicy, very pronounced when crushing the leaves
Color Glossy dark green (leaves), pale yellow (flowers), shiny black (berries)
Used parts Leaves, berries, essential oil
Origins Mediterranean Basin, Asia Minor
Toxicity level Low (non-toxic leaves; berries and oil to be handled with care for internal use)