The term “bay leaf” originally referred to foliage from the bay laurel tree. Bay laurel's distinctive herbal flavor, bitter and slightly piney, has been used as a seasoning for millennia. But the name has become shorthand for several other leafy spices from different trees. https://mailchi.mp/atlasobscura/gastro-bay-leaf-six
I use bay leaves a lot. Especially in any tomato-based dishes.
Fresh bay leaf is divine.