Laurus nobilis is well known for its bay leaves which are commonly used to flavour curries soups and stews the glossy leathery leaves remain aromatic all year round when growing on the handsome bay laurel tree and they can also be dried for easy storage in the kitchen this is an evergreen shrub which has pale yellow flowers in the spring attracting bees and beneficial insects the sweet bay plant can easily be included in borders herb gardens or patio containers or grown larger and clipped