Red Bay, Sweetbay

Persea borbonia

Physical Characteristics

Persea borbonia is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The fresh or dried leaves can be used as a flavouring in soups etc[229].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Analgesic Antirheumatic Appetizer Emetic Febrifuge Red bay was widely employed medicinally by the Seminole Indians who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially as an emetic and body cleanser[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are abortifacient, analgesic, antirheumatic, appetizer, emetic and febrifuge[257]. An infusion can be used to abort a foetus up to the age of four months[257]. An infusion is also used in treating fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, thirst, constipation, appetite loss and blocked urination[257]. A strong decoction is emetic and was used as a body purification when treating a wide range of complaints[257]. A decoction of the leaves is used externally as a wash on rheumatic joints and painful limbs[257].

Known Hazards

None known