Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: red bay, tisswood

Family: Lauraceae (Laurel)

Synonym: Persea borbonia

Distribution: SE US

Habitat: Full sun to part shade, hot and dry to wet and swampy soils.

Hardiness: 0 - 50 F

Life form: Evergreen tree

Bloom Time: April to May

Fruit characteristics: Blue or black fruit which begins to mature in summer and ends in fall. August to September.

Attracts: Birds, butterflies

Foliage characteristics: Simple, alternate, pointed, green leaves with entire margins. Emit a spicy smell when crushed. 2-4" long.

Average height: 30-40'

Ethnobotanical uses: Dried leaves used to spice food.

Medicinal/pharmaceutical: Seminole tribe used this plant to induce vomiting.

Bark characteristics: Ridged, red-brown bark.

Description: Redbay leaves give off a spicy scent when crushed - also giving a hint to their use as a bayleaf substitute in stews.
Redbay is Endangered in Maryland.