Is A Bay Laurel The Same As A California Laurel?

Question

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bay/rooting-bay-tree-cuttings.htm has “Bay tree, also called bay laurel or California laurel, can grow to 75 feet (22 m.) tall”. But both https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bay/which-bay-trees-are-edible.htm and https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bay/bay-tree-varieties.htm differentiate between Bay tree (Laurus nobilis) and California bay (Umbellularis californica).

Answer 1

Confusing isn't it? The third article explains that in the commercial market, Laurus nobilis and Umbellularis californica are often sold as the same plant. It also says the California bay is harsher in flavor but can be used as a substitute for Bay Laurel. So that is why some people use Bay Laurel and California Laurel interchangeably.

But you are correct. They are different plants.