Persea borbonia aka Tisswood

Persea borbonia, or redbay, belongs to the laurel family. This evergreen keeps its leaves year-round. Some sources now call it Tamala borbonia. It grows wild across the southeastern United States to Texas. Florida sources also place it in the Bahamas. It grows in coastal woods and near bogs and swamps. Some trees grow on dry, sandy sites in Florida.

Garden trees reach 30–50 feet (9.1–15.2 metres) tall and wide. Some sources report heights of 70 feet (21.3 metres). Other plants stay small and grow like shrubs. The dense crown spreads into a round shape. Low branches may form several trunks near the ground. Old bark has red-brown ridges with uneven grooves between them. The thick, green twigs may have brown hairs. Shiny leaves feel like leather and look pale beneath. They grow in turn along stems, with smooth edges. Crushed leaves give off a spicy scent.

Small yellow-green flowers grow in groups at the leaf joints. They bloom in May and June but draw little notice. Round, dark blue fruits called drupes follow the flowers. Each has a fleshy coat around its seed. Each fruit is about one-third to one-half inch across. Fruits ripen in fall and feed birds and squirrels. Redbay gives wild animals cover through winter as well. Palamedes and spicebush swallowtail caterpillars feed on its leaves. Deer eat the leaves, though sources report some deer resistance.

Grow redbay in full sun or a spot with some shade. Rich, acidic soil that drains well suits it best. It also grows in clay, loam, sand, and alkaline soils. It copes with wet ground and drought once roots settle. Salt spray causes little trouble, so it suits coastal sites. Sources list USDA zones 7–9. Others say it suits areas through zone 11. Use redbay for shade or as a lone specimen tree. It also suits rain gardens and damp areas left to naturalize. Prune it to help build stronger branch joints.

Laurel wilt poses a major threat to redbay. Redbay ambrosia beetles spread this disease. One source reports an Endangered IUCN listing from 2021. Psyllids cause galls that can spoil the shape of leaves. These growths do not cause lasting harm. Twig borers, scales, and aphids can also cause trouble. Brittle branches may break in strong winds. Fallen fruit, leaves, and twigs leave litter near paths. Fresh or dried leaves serve as a food seasoning. NC State also lists the fruit as edible. Sources report no known hazards but also describe medicinal use. Such use can cause vomiting or abortion. People use the wood for cabinets, indoor trim, and boats.