Spreads to 10-15 feet. Both leaves and wood are strongly aromatic. Stems are tough and woody and have gray bark. Flowers appear in late spring at the base of the leaf stem, and are small, yellow and insignificant. Susceptible to scale infestations.
Harvest leaves to use whole in meat dishes, stews and soups.
You can also dry and pulverize the leaves to use as a powder in cooking. Use whole leaves in potpourri and herbal wreaths. Dry leaves by hanging them in bunches in a warm, dry place. To prevent silverfish damage to books or clothing, place a few leaves in drawers or on bookcases. A few leaves in the pantry shelves will keep weevils away.