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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5,300+species
63national parks
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