Species PlantsRedbay

Redbay

Persea borbonia

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Redbay (Persea borbonia)

Redbay is a small evergreen tree with fragrant leaves and dark blue berries. It is an important food source for the Palamedes swallowtail butterfly. The tree is currently threatened by laurel wilt, a disease spread by an invasive beetle.

Habitat
It is found in coastal forests and wetlands of the southeastern United States.
Diet
Its leaves are a host for butterfly larvae, and its berries are consumed by birds.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Redbay

The best time to see a Redbay is October–March, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,713 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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