Common Laurel

Common Laurel

Common Laurel, Bay Laurus nobilis is a European shrub or small tree that is often used as a hedge plant. It has large shiny leathery leaves and yellow-green flowers which are formed of sepals and have no petals. Its fruits are black berries. Laurels have a fragrant aroma and the leaves of some species are used to flavour foods. The laurel was used in ancient Greece to crown the heads of winners in the Olympic Games and the Roman Caesars were honoured with a laurel wreath. [CH] {FW}