Pepperwood – Umbellularia californica

Pepperwood firewood  burns similar to other hardwoods such as oak but produces less ash. The wood also has a nice fragrance. Pepperwood is a broadleaf evergreen also know as Oregon Myrtle, California Bay Laurel, California Olive as well as other names. Pepperwood is closely related to the bay leaves that are commonly used for seasoning. The leaves emit a strong fragrance when crushed and the wood and olive-like fruit called umbels are also fragrant. Like many other hardwoods Pepperwood sprouts back from the stump when the tree is cut down and the sprouts grow vigorously into new trees since they have an already established root system from the parent tree. Pepperwood is used for making hardwood lumber, commonly known as myrtlewood, and also makes excellent firewood.

Pepperwood Firewood BTU Rating

Green Pepperwood Firewood

Pepperwood Foliage and Olive-Like Umbel

New pepperwood sprouts growing from the base of a stump.

Pepperwood sprouts after a few years of growth.

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