Tamala palustris

Swamp redbay, a reference photo
Photo: Homer Edward Price · CC BY 2.0 (licence)

Tamala palustris, also known as swamp bay or swampbay, is a small tree or shrub found throughout the Southeastern United States and the Bahamas, with much of its range overlapping with that of its relative Tamala borbonia. It is generally not more than 40 feet (12 meters) tall, with bark separated into scales by fissures across its surface. Mature leaves are green, paler on their undersides, which have prominent brownish or reddish-brown hairs. The species prefers swamps and coastal areas, particularly locations with moist, peat-rich soil. It is sensitive to the fungal disease known as laurel wilt, even more so than related species.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Swamp redbay being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Laurales
Family
Lauraceae
Genus
Tamala
Species
Tamala palustris

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species