Campus Tree Tour
Lauraceae – Laurel Family
In 2024, this redbay measured 46.5 feet tall and had a diameter of 20 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 4,047 lbs. of carbon over the next 20 years. Put simply, this tree will offset up to 16,375 car miles worth of carbon dioxide.
See all species on our Campus Tree Tour.
Introduction
The redbay is a small evergreen tree located within the Southeastern Coastal Plains of the United States. Its round, dark blue fruit attracts songbirds and small mammals to feed upon the drupes. The glossy leaves, when crushed, release a spiced fragrance and are often incorporated into teas and soups. In the early 2000s, a non-native ambrosia beetle spread a fungus that led to significant die-off of redbay trees in South Georgia, and while little was done initially, efforts began when the fungus spread and began threatening avocado trees in Florida.
Physical Description
Life expectancy: Up to 100 years
Height: 30 – 50 feet
Crown: 30 – 50 feet
Diameter: Up to 24 inches
Bark: Reddish brown with shallow fissures and flattened plates and ridges.
Leaves: Evergreen, simple, and alternately arranged upon the stem. Dark and glossy on the top and glaucous (pale green underneath) with an entire (smooth) margin and pointed tip. Releases a fresh, almost spicy aroma when crushed.
Flowers: Small, yellow green clusters that emerge during the spring.
Fruits: Bluish black, freshy drupes (1/3 to ½ inch) that fruit in the summer.
Key Identification Characteristics: Dark green/pale leaves, alternate arrangement, leaf smell, bark
Past and Present Uses
Historically, indigenous people of the Seminole tribe used redbay for medicinal maladies and as a body cleanser. The leaves were used to treat fevers, headaches, constipation, blocked urination, and as a topical relief for painful limbs and joints. Today, the fragrant leaves are used to flavor soups and teas.
Currently, the redbay has limited commercial value as a timber and urban species. However, the strong, heavy, bright red wood can be used for cabinet making, boatbuilding, and interior design, while its leaves and bark make it a presentable street tree. The minimal use of this species is due to its high susceptibility to laurel wilt disease, a fungus spread by non-native redbay ambrosia beetles that kills mature trees. As a result, many native tree populations within the laurel family have died from this disease including commercial avocados.
Ecological Importance
Origin: Native to the United States
Native Range: Found in the Southeastern United States extending along the coastal plain from Delaware south to Florida and west to Texas.
Figure 1. Native range of Redbay. Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey
The redbay is found in warm, temperate climates along the Atlantic coast, preferring well-drained sites, coastal areas, and upland forests. It may also grow in rich, moist, and mucky soil along swamp borders. It is often associated with red maple, loblolly bay, sweetgum, water oak, and yellow-poplar.
The fruit is a valuable food source for songbirds and gamebirds (specifically northern bobwhite) while mammals like white-tailed deer and black bears also consume its leaves when browsing. In addition to providing cover during the winter season, the tree supports the larval stages of several butterfly species like the Palamedes Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail.
More Information
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST436
References
Brendemuehl, R. H. (n.d.). Redbay. Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/persea/borbonia.htm#:~:text=Redbay%20is%20a%20minor%20hardwood,also%20grows%20in%20the%20Bahamas
Coder, K. D. (n.d.). Redbay (Persea Borbonia): Drifting Toward Oblivion. Outreach, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/15175.pdf
i-Tree. (2006). Tree tools - calculate the benefits of trees!. i-Tree. https://www.itreetools.org/
North Carolina Plant Toolbox. (n.d.-b). Persea borbonia. Extension Gardener. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/persea-borbonia/
Simpson, W. (n.d.). Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services . https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/Laurel-Wilt-Disease
Tropical Plants Database. (n.d.). Persea borbonia. Useful Tropical Plants. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Persea%2Bborbonia
Van Deelen, T. R. (1991). Persea borbonia. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/perbor/all.html