Persea palustris aka Swamp Bay

Persea palustris, or swamp bay, is an evergreen laurel-family tree. It also bears the name Tamala palustris. Its native range spans the southeastern United States, Texas, and the Bahamas. It grows in swamps, pocosins, bay forests, and coastal woods. In North Carolina, it occurs in the coastal plain. Wet peat supports it in many of these sites. It also grows in fairly dry sand in coastal forests.

Swamp bay forms a large shrub or small, upright tree. Virginia Tech gives a height of 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Its thick bark ranges from reddish to grayish brown. Uneven furrows divide the bark into ridges with flat tops. Dense, rust-colored hairs cover the young twigs. The twigs have angles or ridges, rather than smooth outlines. Short buds also bear rusty hairs. These hairy shoots contrast with the glossy upper leaf surfaces.

The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along stems. They are lanceolate, with smooth edges and pointed outlines. Leaves measure 2–8 inches long and 1–2 inches wide. Their upper surfaces are dark green and shiny. The undersides look silvery white, with an orange cast from hairs. These hairs gather chiefly along the midvein. Small, pale yellow-green flowers appear from May to June. They grow in clusters where leaves meet the stems. Dark blue drupes follow from September to October. Hairy, reddish stalks hold the fruit.

Grow swamp bay in full sun or partial shade. The listed soils include sand and loam. Sites may turn dry or wet at times. Its hardiness range covers USDA zones 7–11. The evergreen foliage gives it a place in native coastal gardens. It also suits gardens planted for butterflies and birds. Spicebush and Palamedes swallowtail larvae feed on the plant. Birds and small mammals eat its fruit in fall. Native Americans used swamp bay for medicine. The supplied sources give no human food use or safety guidance.

Disease is a major concern for this tree. The introduced redbay ambrosia beetle carries a harmful fungus. North Carolina State reports many deaths in southeastern North Carolina. The source also lists susceptibility to laurel wilt. Red Bay Triozid appears among its insect problems. These threats can outweigh its value as an evergreen wildlife tree.