Persea borbonia

Persea borbonia is an evergreen tree native to the maritime forests of the southeastern coastal plain. It grows best in moist soils and in the sun or part shade. The leaves of this tree are a shiny dark green and very aromatic (like the bay leaves often cooked with). The blue fruits produced in the fall are enjoyed by wildlife of all sizes (from songbirds to black bears). This plant is a host for a few native butterfly species. Persea borbonia works well to plant in a yard as a specimen tree or for screening, and it is great for restoration projects and wetland mitigation.