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Native Plant Society of Texas

Red Bay

Persea borbonia

Other common name(s):

Redbay, Sweet Bay, Silk Bay, Red Bay Persea, Laurel Tree

Family:

Lauraceae (Laurel Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

12
to
40
ft.

Spread

25
to
30
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Slow growing; do not prune. Can tolerate a wide range of soils, from hot and dry to wet and swampy. Suitable to many landscape applications. Unfortunately, the wood is reportedly brittle and subject to wind damage, so plant away from buildings. The aromatic foliage makes it a nice addition to the garden. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-June. Has a rounded form, often branching low to the ground. The mature trunk has red-brown checkered bark. Stems are covered with dense, rusty colored hairs. Foliage is leathery and aromatic. Tiny yellow-green flowers, occur in spring, followed by dark blue to black fruit in the fall. Larval host: Palamedes Swallowtail.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Persea littoralis, Tamala borbonia, Tamala littoralis

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Stratify in moist sand or peat for one month at 41 degrees. Gather fruits in the fall when they are dark blue to black. Remove pulp before storing. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEBO

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason