If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 463

Oregon Myrtle tree

This unused Northwest Artmall postcard has a photograph by Gerry Deadmond.  The tree is identified as Oregon Myrtle.  At the lower right corner of the card is an information blurb about the tree. 

A true myrtle tree, myrtus, is native to the Mediterranean region in southern Europe and North Africa.  The tree, umbellularia californica, pictured on the card is a large hardwood tree native to the Sierra foothills of California and the costal forests extending into Oregon.  Called a myrtle in Oregon it is known as California bay laurel, California laurel or California bay in California.  It has also been called pepperwood, spicebush, cinnamon bush, peppernut tree, headache tree, mountain laurel, and balm of heaven.  The leaves have a pungent smell similar to bay leaves but stronger.  Native Americans made poultices of the leaves to treat rheumatism and neuralgias.  A tea was made from the leaves and used to treat stomachaches, colds, and sore throats.  The leaves were also used to relieve headaches.   Today the leaves are not recommended for cooking as they contain a toxic mucous irritant.  One or two leaves can be placed in flour or cornmeal as an insecticide to keep mealworms away. 

The wood is used for bowls, gift items, spoons, gunstocks, trim, cabinetry, paneling, veneer, and the backs and sides of acoustic guitars.  During a visit to the Oregon coastline we stopped in at The Rogue River Myrtlewood shop in Gold Beach, and purchased a bowl.  The owner was kind enough to explain the process of making the bowl and took us on a short tour of his workshop in the back room of his store.  He had samples of fresh wood and leaves that he suggested we smell to test the strength of the aroma.  It is pungent enough to cause sneezing!  Products made of myrtle wood provide a small but significant source of income for small mills and crafters in southwest Oregon and California.  He also told us that the Oregon myrtle tree is very slow growing and has been over logged therefore the wood is becoming somewhat scarce.  He was not sure how much longer shops like his would be able to continue to produce handmade items.  

The Oregon Champion myrtle tree is about 88 ft tall and almost 5 ft in diameter making it significantly larger than a typical Oregon myrtle.  The tree has evergreen leaves and clusters of yellow flowers as well as yellow-green fruit.  It can be used as an ornamental planting.

Oregon Myrtlewood bowl

The warm color and the grain of the wood make it extremely attractive.  This bowl was handcrafted with the skill and love of an artisan for the wood.  It is so finely finished it feels like silk to the touch and is very easy to clean.

For additional information, see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbellularia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtus
https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/myrtlewood/#.XvvIl_J7lp8