Wood Species Guide
Oregon Myrtle
Umbellularia californica
Also called: Myrtlewood, California Bay Laurel, California Laurel, Bay Laurel, Pepperwood, Oregon Myrtlewood
About the name “Oregon Myrtle”
Oregon myrtle is not a true myrtle. It is a bay laurel, the tree Californians call California bay. It is also unrelated to Tasmanian myrtle, a southern beech, and to the Central American wood we sell as Laurel; see those pages.
What Oregon Myrtle looks like
Color varies a lot: golden tan, gray-green, olive and light brown, often in streaks within one board. Burls and figured pieces can show black lines from spalting.
Grain and texture
Fine, even texture with straight to wavy grain. Curly, quilted and burl figure is common and is what most buyers are after.
Working Oregon Myrtle: planing, cutting and gluing
Generally works easily and turns beautifully. Figured and burl pieces can tear out on the planer, so use light passes or a drum sander. It glues and finishes without trouble.
Finishing Oregon Myrtle: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Oil and hardwax oil bring out the shifting color and figure. The fine grain seals quickly under epoxy, but spalted or punky zones should be stabilized or seal coated first.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not rot resistant and prone to insect attack, so it is an indoor wood. It is reasonably stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate it indoors and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Myrtlewood is the classic Oregon coast bowl and gift wood, and figured boards make knockout guitar backs, boxes and small tabletops. Pieces are usually small and expensive, so plan projects around what's available. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Oregon Myrtle
Turned bowls, boxes, guitar backs and sides, veneer, fine furniture, gunstocks and small specialty items.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Living trees can host sudden oak death, so movement of green wood and leaves is regulated in parts of Oregon and California.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
Myrtle dust has been reported to irritate skin and can sensitize some people over time. Severe reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
The wood has been reported to irritate skin and to act as a sensitizer, though severe reactions are uncommon. The leaves have a strong aroma that some people find causes headaches. Use dust collection, a mask and gloves if you are sensitive.
Oregon Myrtle in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Oregon Myrtle listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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