Bay Laurel · Laurus nobilis

The tree carries a dense, conical to multi-stemmed habit, typically 5 to 12 m in height with a 3 to 6 m spread under Iberian cultivation, supported by aromatic, leathery, dark-green leaves that hold colour through winter. Crown density is high, which makes it a reliable visual screen and a credible alternative to Cupressus sempervirens where a softer, broader-leaved silhouette is wanted. It accepts hard clipping without sulking, which underpins its long use in standard, pyramid, and low hedge forms.

In climate terms, Laurus nobilis is reliable across the Mediterranean coastal belt (the Levante, the Andalusian littoral, the Balearics) and the southern Atlantic edge, with winter minimums of roughly minus 10 to minus 12 degrees Celsius before foliage damage becomes a real risk. On the meseta it is workable in sheltered urban microclimates but exposed continental sites with sharp late frosts will scorch new growth; the cornisa cantábrica suits it well thanks to mild winters, though full sun should be moderated where summer cool is pronounced.

Water demand is moderate rather than minimal. Two to three irrigated summers establish the root system, after which the tree holds form under reduced irrigation in coastal Mediterranean conditions; in the semi-arid southeast (Almería, Murcia) it remains productive only with maintained supplementary watering. The species is not on the current host range of Xylella fastidiosa, which gives it specification value as an evergreen broadleaf where Olea, Polygala myrtifolia, or Nerium oleander are constrained inside demarcated zones.

Soil tolerance covers well-drained loams and the alkaline calcareous substrates common across eastern and southern Spain; on heavy clays drainage must be assured, as the species is susceptible to phytophthora when waterlogged. Salt tolerance is moderate, sufficient for second-line coastal positions but not direct salt-spray frontage. Pests to monitor are the laurel psyllid (Trioza alacris), which curls leaf margins, and soft scale (Coccus hesperidum); both are manageable within standard parks and gardens programmes. Target calibre is best secured at supply rather than expected from on-site development.