What is Myrtlewood?

Myrtle trees

Common Name: Oregon Myrtlewood, Pepperwood, Bay Laurel
Latin Name: Umbellularia californica
Family: Lauraceae (Laurel)

The Tree

Oregon Myrtlewood is a broadleaf evergreen native to Southwestern Oregon and Northwestern California. It grows prolifically in this coastal region. The Umpqua River watershed appears to be the northern boundary of its native habitat. From there it grows east into the Roseburg area and then south along the riverbanks and in various groves in the hills within the coast range.

The Myrtle tree grows 60 to 120 feet in the wild. It is very slow growing putting on only 1 to 12 inches of growth during each of its first few years. They may take 80 to 120 years to reach full size. It is often multi-trunked, but can be kept pruned to a single trunk tree. When growing in the open it tends to have a dense, rounded, ‘gumdrop shape’. On a shady hillside it grows much taller and narrower.

Myrtlewood trees will regrow as shoots from their stump and are also grown from their seeds. They have a strong root system which helps regenerate the species in the wild. New sprouts flourish from cut stumps, windfalls, and nurse logs. Wild trees are difficult to transplant due to their deep tap root system.

Myrtle Leaves

The leaves are 3 to 5 inches long, 1 inch wide, pointed at the tip, medium green, glossy on top, and dull light green beneath. The crushed leaves have a powerful aromatic scent which can be used as a sure identification. The leaves are frequently used in cooking as a substitute for True Bay (Lauris nobilis), and are also noted as a flea repellant when freshly crushed. The Myrtlewood has clusters of small yellow flowers (or umbels) which bloom in late winter and olive like seeds or nuts which usually fall from the trees in the fall.

In the Bible, the Myrtle tree is of special religious significance, representing fertility and life. Although a larger tree with a little different flower type, Oregon Myrtlewood has a lot of similarities to the Myrtlewood growing in the Holy Land. “Instead of the brier shall come up the Myrtle tree” Isaiah 55:13.

Myrtlewood trees can be seen where they have been planted around town, along the river banks, or along many of the highways and backroads of the surrounding South coast range. Highway 38 & 138, from about 12 miles east of Reedsport toward Roseburg, is lined with lots of Myrtle trees. Humbug Park, South of Port Orford on 101, is another good place to view full grown Myrtlewood Trees.

The Wood

Oregon Myrtlewood possesses a wide variety of beautiful colors and grain patterns and is noted by many as being one of the world’s most beautiful woods.

The color of the wood is often influenced by the minerals in the soil, which could be a factor in its popularity here on the Oregon coast. The colors range from blond to black with many shades of honey, browns, satiny grays, with reds and greens in between. Because of the wide variety of colors, it is difficult to “match” a piece of myrtlewood you already have. But it is very easy to find a piece of myrtlewood that will complement most other wood products in your home.

Oregon Myrtlewood became popular for making gift items back in the early 1900’s. It is a hardwood which takes many finishes well. Oregon woodworkers have developed a small cottage industry making handcrafted Myrtlewood products and gifts for visitors and residents of the area. Many beautiful gifts and works of art, crafted out of Myrtlewood by many of our local Oregon Artists, are displayed online and at The Myrtlewood Gallery in Reedsport.