Sweet bay is a medium-sized tree, whose aromatic leaves are used as a culinary herb (bay leaf), earning it the distinction of herb of the year 2009 by the International Herb Association. The plant Laurus nobilis (family Lauraceae) is widely cultivated in many regions of the world where it is used primarily as a culinary herb now but in its native Mediterranean it was also used medicinally and culturally. It had the reputation of protecting against natural disasters, especially lightening strikes, and was used in the laurel wreaths worn by ancient poets, athletes, soldiers and Roman Emperors to symbolize victory or accomplishment. Other common names for this species include bay, bay laurel, grecian laurel, laurel and true laurel. Other trees commonly called bay include California laurel (Umbellularia californica) and bay rum tree (Pimenta racemosa), whose leaves and twigs are distilled to produce oil of bay, which is used in perfumery and in the preparation of bay rum (an aftershave or hair tonic, not a beverage). The related L. canariensis, native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, is less hardy than sweet bay and has longer, broader, less aromatic leaves. 
Bay is an evergreen plant that can be grown as a single-trunked tree or a multi-trunked shrub. It also adapts well to pruning and shaping, so can be used for topiary or grown as a standard. Because it is relatively slow-growing, it does well in containers. The glossy, dark green, leathery leaves are 3-4 inches long, lanceolate, with a strong midrib and wavy, finely serrated edges. The smooth bark is olive green to gray in color. The plants are dioecious, with star-shaped male and female flowers on separate plants. Inconspicuous but fragrant, pale yellow-green flowers in spring are followed by small, purplish-black, egg-shaped berries, each with a single seed, on established female trees. Trees are self-infertile, so a male tree is needed to set seed. Bees pollinate the flowers. 
L. nobilis is widely grown as an ornamental plant in mild climates (zones 7-10), but can be grown as a long-lived houseplant or outdoor container plant in cold climates. Although it prefers well-drained soil and regular moisture, it is fairly tolerant of most conditions but can never be allowed to dry out completely. In its native areas it grows amid damp rocky ravines, thickets and old walls. Indoor plants can be moved outdoors in the spring and back inside in the fall when temperatures are consistently above freezing. If kept in a cool room (35-60˚F), the tree will stay dormant and does not need much light and very little water (just enough to keep the soil barely moist). In a warmer room provide regular watering like any houseplant and as much sun as possible. In the Midwest, container-grown bay trees thrive in full sun (after being acclimated from the darker indoors) but in warmer climates they may benefit from light shade. 
Once established, prune the bay tree annually to keep it growing vigorously – also providing supply of bay leaves for cooking. Pruning is best done when the tree is not actively growing to maximize growth but to maximize flavor, harvest leaves in the mid summer. Container-grown plants should be repotted to maintain a balance between the size of the roots and that of the top. Prune the roots by cutting off all the roots where they had touched the surface of the old pot whenever the plant is repotted. The roots should be pruned at least every two years (even if the plant is to stay in the same pot) and add fresh compost-soil mix to replace that removed with the roots. Bay is difficult to propagate but this can be done from fresh seed (germination is rather erratic and the seed bed needs to be kept warm), half-ripe cuttings taken in summer (which may take several months), or by air-layering. This plant has few pests but scales can be a problem, particularly indoors. The bump-like insects can occur on both the leaves and woody parts. 
The mature leaves can be used fresh but when dried, the oils are more concentrated. This herb is typically used in stews, roasts, casseroles, and soups with a relatively long cooking time, and also for pickling, in marinades and in teas. Dried leaves can also be used in potpourri, for wreaths and other craft projects, or to repel pests such as silverfish or stored product insects. The essential oil is used in massage oil.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison
The bay leaf tree, with its aromatic and culinary uses, is a popular subject for images If you need high-quality bay leaf tree photos for a project, there are several major online stock image sites that offer a wide selection to choose from This article provides a helpful guide to finding great bay leaf tree images from leading providers.
Overview of the Bay Leaf Tree
The bay leaf tree (Laurus nobilis), also called bay laurel or sweet bay, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Growing up to 10-20 meters tall, the bay tree has long, slender leaves that are dark green and glossy on the top, paler underneath. Small yellow flowers bloom in spring and mature into olive-like purple berries. When leaves or fruit are bruised, they release a sweet, spicy herbal aroma.
Bay trees thrive in warm coastal areas and are widely cultivated. The dried leaves are used culinary herbs to flavor soups, stews, and meat dishes. Bay leaves provide notes of eucalyptus, lemon, and pepper. The trees also have ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
Where to Find Bay Leaf Tree Images Online
Several major stock photo sites offer an extensive selection of high-quality bay leaf tree images to license for personal and commercial use. Here are some top options:
Getty Images
With over 1,100 photos and videos available, Getty Images has one of the largest collections of bay leaf tree images. These professionally-shot photos capture the tree in all seasons, including leaves, flowers, fruit, and bark details. The library includes isolated images on white backgrounds as well as trees growing in gardens and natural settings.
iStock
iStock boasts over 11600 bay leaf tree images to choose from. The diverse library features close-up macro shots of leaves and berries as well as wide landscape views. Many photos have been digitally enhanced for vibrant color and detail. Images are available in a wide range of sizes from small files to high-resolution images.
Adobe Stock
Search Adobe Stock for over 5,000 photos and vectors related to the bay laurel tree. The library includes detailed scientific illustrations as well as modern lifestyle images showing food dishes and kitchen scenes. Adobe also offers a collection of high-quality bay leaf footage clips.
Shutterstock
Over 8,000 photos and videos of the bay leaf tree are available on Shutterstock. The media spans isolated leaves to growing trees in many locations. Footage clips capture the motion of swaying branches and close-ups of drying bay leaves.
What to Look for in Bay Leaf Tree Images
When searching these stocks sites, keep in mind the visual style, angle, and composition you need for your project. Here are some elements to look for:
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Focus – tight shots of leaves, flowers, berries, bark or wide landscape views of the full tree
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Background – solid white, blurred nature, or specific setting like a garden
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Style – lifelike photos, scientific illustrations, or graphic vector designs
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Angle – overhead, side profile, or close-up macro views
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Color – natural green tones, black & white, enhanced color saturation
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Season – spring flowers, summer full foliage, autumn fruit, winter patterns
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Uses – ornamental tree, leaves in food prep, herbal medicine, cosmetics
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Composition – rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetrical framing, depth of field
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Quality – high resolution, sharp focus, vibrant color, effective lighting
Licensing Bay Leaf Tree Images
When you find the perfect bay leaf tree photo or video, check the licensing options before downloading. Stock images are sold under different licensing models:
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Rights-Managed – prices set individually per image based on usage; often used for ads and promotional materials.
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Royalty-Free – pay once based on file size for ongoing reuse; best for websites, apps, blogs.
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Editorial – priced per image and restricted to editorial purposes only, no commercial use.
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Public Domain – no payment needed; free use with attribution to source/creator.
Review each site’s license terms to ensure your intended use of the media is permitted. Respecting copyright helps support the artists behind these high-quality stock images.
With this guide, you can effectively search the major stock libraries to find bay leaf tree photos and videos that perfectly suit your creative or commercial needs. Taking time to browse, compare, and narrow down options will lead you to visual assets that align with your vision and project goals. The bay leaf tree’s unique aesthetics and symbolic associations provide no shortage of artistic inspiration.
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FAQ
How do you tell if it’s a bay leaf tree?
Bay leaves are wider and have more pronounced tips. They are simple, ovate, pointed, dark green, and rigid. The bark is gray and smooth when young, but gets rough when it ages. They are born in clusters at the axle of the leaf, where the leaf meets the base of the stem.
Can you grow bay leaves in the US?
Grow Your Own Bay Laurel Leaves
Bay laurel is a perennial herb that grows much like a bush or a tree. In warmer climates, this evergreen can be grown in the landscape. I actually planted a couple bay laurel bushes in my front yard in Houston that grew at least a foot taller each year.
What is a bay leaf tree good for?
… antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it is also helpful for eliminating and protecting against bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory infectionDec 3, 2024
What is so special about bay leaves?
As with many spices and flavourings, the fragrance of the bay leaf is more noticeable than its taste. When the leaf is dried, the aroma is herbal, slightly floral, and somewhat similar to oregano and thyme. Myrcene, a component of many essential oils used in perfumery, can be extracted from this bay leaf.