The Red Bay grows mostly in rich, moist soils
along streams and in swamps. Occasionally, Red Bays will grow in drier and well-drained
soils. Red Bays grow throughout Florida and are normally found growing in hammocks,
bluffs, coastal dunes and scrub habitats.
Description
Red Bays are large shrub to medium-sized evergreen trees. The trees tend
to be very aromatic. They can grow to 70 feet in height and three feet in diameter.
Leaves
The leaves are bright green with a narrow orange-colored mid rib. They grow to four-inches
in length and one and ½-inches in width. These leathery leaves are oblong and smooth on
the margin. When the leaves are crushed they tend to be very aromatic. Routine occurrences
of leaf galls provides a good method of identifying Red Bays
Flowers
The small flowers of Red Bays bloom in the spring and are pale
yellow. These flowers form in small clusters along hairy stalks.
Fruit
The fruits of the Red Bay are dark bluish-black drupes. These fruits
mature late summer to fall. The fruit is approximately ½-inches long and 1.2 centimeters
in diameter and contain a large, rounded seed.
Bark
Red Bays form twigs that are green to reddish. As the tree ages and matures, the bark
becomes brownish-gray. The bark is very rough and has approximately vertical, interlacing
fissures between ridges.
Landscape usage
Red Bays are typically grown in
naturalized landscapes. This species is a great specimen and shade plant. Red Bays are
highly tolerant to drought and salt spray.
Interesting fact
The Red Bay is a great food source
for wildlife including songbirds, white-tailed deer, bobwhite, wild turkey and black bear.
The wood of the Red Bay is very heavy, hard and strong and is used for cabinet making and
for building boats.
