Swamp Bay

Persea palustris

The Swamp Bay is a special tree that loves wet places! It has shiny green leaves and can grow tall, providing shade for animals and people alike.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Swamp Bay is an evergreen tree with a sometimes irregular, open canopy. It has shiny, dark green leaves that are often thicker than other bay trees. Its small, greenish-yellow flowers develop into striking dark blue berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLauralesFamilyLauraceaeGenusPersea

Swamp Bay

Interesting facts

Birds love its dark blue berries; they are a vital food source.

It's related to the plant that gives us delicious avocados!

Its leaves release a spicy scent when crushed!

The wood of the Swamp Bay is strong and resistant to decay.

Special abilities

Swamp Bay has roots that can handle standing water, helping it thrive where most trees would drown.

Swamp Bay produces nutrient-rich dark blue berries, providing essential food for many swamp birds.

Swamp Bay has thick bark that helps protect it from common swamp fires, allowing it to survive and regrow.

Measurements & details

Height: 1000-2000 cm
Spread: 500-1000 cm
Flower Size: 0.3-0.7 cm
Bloom Season: Spring (April-May)
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eats

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Feeds on its nutrient-rich dark blue berries.

depends on

Spicebush Swallowtail

Papilio troilus

Its caterpillars use the leaves as a food source.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits its small flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

shelters

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

Nests in cavities of older, larger Swamp Bay trees.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Evergreen

Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.

Longevous

This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.