How much sun does Swamp Bay need?

Swamp Bay grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Swamp Bay bloom?

Swamp Bay blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Swamp Bay native?

Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Swamp Bay toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Bay as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Swamp Bay attract?

Swamp Bay draws bees and beetles.

Is Swamp Bay HOA-friendly?

Swamp Bay is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Swamp Bay

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Persea palustris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) is a perennial tree native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp Bay as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

240"–600" H × 120"–300" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Swamp bay is a medium to large evergreen tree native to wetlands and swampy areas. It produces small, fragrant flowers in spring and develops into a broad-canopied specimen tree that thrives in consistently moist conditions.

Growing Swamp Bay

Grow Swamp Bay in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 120 to 300 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Bay is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Very large mature size may be problematic in smaller yards
High water requirements may appear messy in drought periods

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. As a native Persea species, it serves as a host plant for various butterflies and provides food and shelter for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp Bay need?: Swamp Bay grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Swamp Bay bloom?: Swamp Bay blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Swamp Bay native?: Swamp Bay (Persea palustris) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Swamp Bay toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Bay as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Swamp Bay attract?: Swamp Bay draws bees and beetles.
Is Swamp Bay HOA-friendly?: Swamp Bay is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Swamp Bay? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz