Quick answer: Redbay (Persea borbonia) is native to 5 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil | Moist, acidic |
| Bloom | May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 65-80 ft (often shorter) |
| Wildlife value | Fruit eaten by birds, larval host for Palamedes Swallowtail |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Redbay
Where is Redbay native?
Redbay (Persea borbonia) is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Redbay bloom?
Redbay blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Redbay need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High. Soil: Moist, acidic. Mature height: Up to 65-80 ft (often shorter).
Is Redbay good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit eaten by birds, larval host for Palamedes Swallowtail.
Is Redbay deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Redbay is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Redbay?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Persea borbonia by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Redbay.
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Cabbage palmetto Sabal palmetto
- Sweetbay magnolia Magnolia virginiana
- Water oak Quercus nigra
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor
Also listed under
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