5 Seeds Bay Leaf Plant A.k.a Sweet Bay, Bay Laurel, True Laurell, Laurus Nobilis Like wine, thyme and leeks, bay leaf is a foundation flavour of French cuisine. Meat, fish and poultry dishes almost always have a touch. Frost-sensitive small trees; best grown in tubs that afford easy movement indoors during winter. Note: Bay seeds will not germinate if they dry out too much in storage. The Bay Laurel ( Laurus nobilis , Lauraceae ), also known as True Laurel , Sweet Bay , Laurel Tree , Grecian Laurel , Laurel , or Bay Tree , is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub reaching 1018 metres (3359 ft) tall, native to the Mediterranean region .