Bay leaf and laurel leaf are two names that are often used for the same dried leaf, and the botanical name Laurus nobilis ties them together. This guide explains what each name usually means in the spice trade and on labels, and how to write the name on a quote request so that both sides mean the same plant.

Are bay leaf and laurel leaf the same thing?

In most cases, yes. Bay leaf and laurel leaf both name the dried leaf of Laurus nobilis, a Mediterranean tree of the laurel family, Lauraceae. Other plants are also called bay or laurel in some regions, so the botanical name is the dependable way to say which leaf you mean.

Bay leaf is the common culinary and trade name in English.
Laurel leaf is an alternative English name for the same dried leaf.
Laurus nobilis is the botanical name that removes any doubt.

What other names does Laurus nobilis have?

English names include bay laurel, sweet bay, Grecian laurel and true laurel, along with the plain names bay and laurel. In other languages the plant appears as alloro, laurier and Lorbeer. Sellers and buyers may use any of these, so check that the botanical name appears on the specification.

Name	Type of name	What it refers to
Bay leaf	Culinary and trade name	The dried leaf of Laurus nobilis
Laurel leaf	Alternative English name	The dried leaf of Laurus nobilis
Bay laurel	Plant name	The Laurus nobilis tree
Sweet bay	Plant name	The Laurus nobilis tree
Grecian laurel	Plant name	The Laurus nobilis tree
Laurus nobilis	Botanical name	The species itself

Why can the name cause confusion?

Several plants in the laurel family have aromatic leaves, and some carry bay or laurel in their common names. California bay, also called Oregon myrtle, is one example. Its leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for true bay and have a much stronger flavour. Our comparison guide explains the botanical differences.

True bay comes from Laurus nobilis, a Mediterranean species.
Other laurel family plants may share part of the name.
Read the guide to Turkish and California bay leaves for the differences.

How can I tell the leaves apart?

Leaf size and texture give a first clue. Laurus nobilis leaves are leathery, about 5 to 10 cm long, with a glossy dark green upper surface. California bay leaves are thick and leathery and a little longer, about 5 to 13 cm. A botanical check or a lab report settles any doubt.

Laurus nobilis: narrow oval leaves, about 5 to 10 cm long, glossy dark green on top.
California bay: lance shaped leaves, about 5 to 13 cm long, shiny dark green on top and paler underneath.
Aroma: California bay is very aromatic, and aromatic components in the leaves may cause sneezing and headaches if inhaled.
When identity matters, ask the supplier to confirm the botanical name in writing.

How is the dried leaf used?

Dried bay leaves flavour soups, stews, meat, fish and vegetable dishes, according to a review in Medicinal Plants of South Asia. The same source mentions traditional medicinal and cosmetic uses. Use depends on the plant and the form, so ask your supplier for details about the product you plan to buy.

Culinary use: soups, stews, meat, fish and vegetables.
Form: whole, cut or ground, depending on the product.
Supplier details: confirm the plant, the form and the grade before ordering.

Which name does AgroHoby use?

AgroHoby uses the name Turkish bay leaves for its products and gives Laurus nobilis as the botanical name, with Lauraceae as the family. The leaves are whole dried leaves from Mersin, with cut and ground forms also available. The botanical name appears in the product specifications on the Bay Leaves page.

Botanical name: Laurus nobilis.
Family: Lauraceae.
Origin: Türkiye, Mersin, Mediterranean region.

How should I write the name on a quote request?

Write the common name and the botanical name together, for example bay leaf, Laurus nobilis. Add the form you need, such as whole, cut or ground, then the grade, packaging and quantity. A short and exact description keeps the quote, the specification and the invoice consistent and avoids questions later.

Use the common name and the botanical name together.
Add the form, grade, packaging and quantity.
Send it through our request a quote form for Turkish bay leaves.
Read common questions in the FAQ about Turkish bay leaves.
Next, see the bay leaf specifications buyers should request.

More buyer guides are listed on our resources page.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026