Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) is a graceful evergreen tree that typically reaches 15–30 feet in height, occasionally stretching to 50 feet in ideal conditions. Long‑lived and quietly elegant, it carries white flowers that give way to showy black fruits, both of which add subtle beauty throughout the year. Its leaves release a pleasant aroma, making the tree as enjoyable to smell as it is to see. Swamp Bay thrives in full to part sun and prefers moist to somewhat moist soils, tolerating everything from sand and loam to rich organic soil, as long as conditions remain acidic.
This tree is especially valuable for wildlife: it serves as a larval host plant for the Palamedes Swallowtail and the Spicebush Swallowtail. Its flowers attract bees, while its dark fruits are eagerly eaten and dispersed by birds, making Swamp Bay a strong choice for anyone hoping to create a vibrant, ecologically supportive landscape.
- Tree, evergreen
- Size: 15-30 ft. tall
- Flower: White
- Fruit: Black
- Exposure: Full to part sun
- Moisture: Remains moist
- Soil: Sand, loam, organic
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Larval host for Palamedes Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail
- Attracts bees
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