When does swamp bay bloom?

Swamp bay typically flowers from March through May, producing small clusters of pale yellowish white blooms along the branches.

What kind of habitat does swamp bay prefer?

This tree grows best in wet, low lying sites such as swamp margins, bay heads, and moist woodland edges where soil stays consistently damp.

What pollinators visit swamp bay flowers?

Bees and beetles are the most common visitors to swamp bay flowers, drawn to the small, clustered blooms in spring.

How much light does swamp bay need to grow well?

Swamp bay tolerates a range of light from full sun to partial shade, though it often grows as an understory or edge tree in part sun conditions.

Does swamp bay stay green year round?

Yes, swamp bay is an evergreen tree that keeps its leathery, aromatic leaves throughout the year.

Is Swamp Bay toxic to livestock?

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

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: September 2026

Swamp bay is an evergreen tree found in wet forests and swamps across the southeastern coastal plain, blooming with small white flowers from March through May.

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

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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

When does swamp bay bloom?: Swamp bay typically flowers from March through May, producing small clusters of pale yellowish white blooms along the branches.
What kind of habitat does swamp bay prefer?: This tree grows best in wet, low lying sites such as swamp margins, bay heads, and moist woodland edges where soil stays consistently damp.
What pollinators visit swamp bay flowers?: Bees and beetles are the most common visitors to swamp bay flowers, drawn to the small, clustered blooms in spring.
How much light does swamp bay need to grow well?: Swamp bay tolerates a range of light from full sun to partial shade, though it often grows as an understory or edge tree in part sun conditions.
Does swamp bay stay green year round?: Yes, swamp bay is an evergreen tree that keeps its leathery, aromatic leaves throughout the year.
Is Swamp Bay toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Bay as toxic to livestock.
Is Swamp Bay HOA-friendly?: Swamp Bay is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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