The oblong leaves are narrowed and pointed at the tip, untoothed, and up to five inches in length. They are a deep glossy green above and pale beneath and very fragrant when crushed. Used as a substitute for culinary bay, a related species, the leaves are somewhat stronger but equally flavorful in taste.

The trees are rather open in shape, eventually taking on a loosely rounded form. Slow-growing, at least in the early stages of establishment, this bay is tolerant of a variety of soils and does best in well-drained, somewhat moist habitat. It may develop multiple trunks, particularly on poorer sites.

The wood is fine-grained and hard; very useful for carving, it is sold as "myrtlewood," a common gift item in Oregon coast shops.

A small rounded fruit forms late in the season. It matures to a deep purple hue and contains a single hard seed within. Trees typically develop fruits at 30-to-40 years of age.

This bay is very hardy in the Northwest and requires little care.

These trees are grown from seed and are two years old.