Cryptocarya rubra
krip-toe-KARE-ee-uh ROOB-ruh

Cryptocarya or Red Laurel
Lauraceae (Laurel family)
Origin: Chile

©Street Tree Division
City of Los Angeles - Department of Public Works
Bureau of Street Services
 Species characteristics:
Form - Evergreen. Compact tree with dense, spreading crown with slow to moderate growth to 30' in height and approximately equal width.

Trunk - Tan to rich dark brown bark.

Foliage - Coppery red new foliage matures to roundish, thick-textured leaves, very glossy dark green above, and bluish green below. The 2 to 3" leaves have slightly wavy margins and a spicy apple-like fragrance when crushed.

Flowers/fruit- Sm"ll green flowers in erect clusters 2 to 3" long in March. Smooth oblong fruit, 5/8" long, ivory and coral pink in color. Fruit matures from October to December and is also fragrant.

No significant pest problems are known at this time.

Site suitability:
Sunset zones: 14 - 17 and 20- 24.

Clearances -Suitable for 5' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts. Suitable under utility lines.

Good for street sides, medians, parks and lawns.

Culture considerations:
Needs moderate water, good drainage.

Comments, notes:
Often described as "like a small evergreen oak". Useful substitute for Live Oak on smaller sites. Not readily available at wholesale nurseries but merits attention.