Sonoma Mountain Ecology Notes

Celebrating and Caring for the Land

Deer-pruned Bay Laurel

Umbellularia californica, also called Pepperwood, Peppernut tree or Headache tree, has powerful aromatic oils in its tissues which usually deter critters from nibbling their leaves. New leaves contain less oil and are palatable to deer, etc. This fun growth pattern comes from years of persistent browsing until a leader shoot makes it above the height of hungry deer mouths.

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