RED BAY

Persea borbonia

Variable; from 20 to 60 feet

Medium rate of growth

Full sun to partial shade

Excellent drought tolerance

Cold hardy

Zones 7 to 11

Medium sized tree with a broad, dense, rounded crown and

evergreen, aromatic, leathery leaves that can substitute for true bay leaves in cooking.

Inconspicuous, flowers are followed by small purple berries in fall.

Excellent wildlife attractor.

Larval host plant for the Palamedes and Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.