Also known at California Bay Laurel, Oregon Myrtle, and Pepperwood, this evergreen, perennial tree has a sharp, peppery fragrance, especially when its foliage is crushed. It can grow up to 60 feet high and 30 feet wide with large, spreading branches, and a dense crown. It produces white or cream-colored flowers March through May, followed by avocado-like fruit that ripen from green to dark purple. It is drought tolerant and prefers partial shade and moist soils.