Contents
Description
Persea Palustris, commonly known as swamp bay, is a native evergreen tree found in the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Lauraceae family, which includes other popular plants like cinnamon and avocado. Swamp bay trees can grow up to 60 feet tall and have a dense, pyramidal crown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Persea |
Appearance
Swamp bay leaves are glossy, dark green, and leathery. They are oblong and can grow up to 6 inches long. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming furrowed and scaly as the tree ages. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a dark, purplish-black drupe that is about 1 inch long.
Care Guide
Swamp bays prefer moist, acidic soils and partial shade. They can tolerate full sun but may require more frequent watering in these conditions. Fertilize in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Hardiness zones for swamp bays range from 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Swamp bays are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soils.
Habitat
Swamp bays are found in wetlands, swamps, and along the edges of streams and ponds. They are an important component of many southeastern forest ecosystems.
Question and Answer
Q: Can swamp bays grow in full sun?
A: Yes, swamp bays can tolerate full sun but may require more frequent watering in these conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for swamp bays?
A: Hardiness zones for swamp bays range from 8-10.
Q: Are swamp bays susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: Swamp bays are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soils.
Q: How tall can swamp bay trees grow?
A: Swamp bay trees can grow up to 60 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Persea Americana
- Persea Borbonia
- Persea Gratissima
- Persea Indica
References
- “Persea Palustris.” Floridata, www.floridata.com/plant/994.
- “Species: Persea Palustris.” USDA PLANTS, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PEPA8.
- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2011.
