Red Bay
Persea borbonia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Persea borbonia (Red Bay) is an evergreen tree native to Texas and the southeastern United States, blooming from March through May with small yellowish-green flowers.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Red Bay as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
144"–480" H × 300"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaRed Bay is a medium to large evergreen tree native to southeastern Texas and the Gulf Coast. It produces small, fragrant yellow-green flowers in spring followed by dark blue berries. The tree has aromatic leaves and develops a rounded to oval crown with age.
Growing Red Bay
Grow Red Bay in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 144 to 480 inches tall and spread 300 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Bay takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Red Bay supports native butterflies and moths as a host plant, particularly the Palamedes Swallowtail. The berries provide food for songbirds and other wildlife throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Red Bay bloom?
- Red Bay blooms from March through May, producing small clusters of yellowish-green flowers.
- What regions is Red Bay native to?
- Red Bay is native to Texas and much of the southeastern United States, typically found in coastal plains and wetland areas.
- What growing conditions does Red Bay prefer?
- Red Bay tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it naturally occurs in moist to wet soils.
- Is Red Bay an evergreen tree?
- Yes, Red Bay is an evergreen tree that retains its aromatic, leathery leaves year-round.
- Is Red Bay toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red Bay as toxic to livestock.
- Is Red Bay HOA-friendly?
- Red Bay takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Red Bay? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz