Tisswood (Persea borbonia, Syst. Veg. 2: 268 (1825))

Family: Lauraceae

Author: (L.) Spreng.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 2: 268 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Persea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Texas

Description

The Tisswood, scientifically known as Persea borbonia, is a noteworthy member of the Lauraceae family. This remarkable tree or shrub is indigenous to a broad swath of the southeastern United States, stretching as far west as Texas. First categorized in 1825, Tisswood has since become an essential component of the natural landscape in these regions.

Tisswood is frequently found thriving in a variety of habitats including coastal plains, wetlands, and forested areas, which speaks to its adaptability and ecological resilience. The tree can attain heights varying significantly depending on its environment, but commonly reaches a height range accommodating both undergrowth as a shrub and canopy as a larger tree.

One of the most distinctive features of Tisswood is its laurel-like, evergreen foliage that releases a pleasant aroma when crushed. The leaves are typically elongated with a glossy green surface, contributing to its allure as a durable ornamental plant often selected for natural landscaping projects. Beyond its visual appeal, the plant also blooms with inconspicuous but fragrant flowers that eventually give way to small, bluish-black drupes, providing sustenance for a variety of wildlife.

The robust nature of Persea borbonia makes it a valuable species for erosion control and habitat restoration projects. Its deep root systems help stabilize soil, and its tolerance to wet conditions makes it suitable for planting in areas prone to seasonal floods.

Traditionally, indigenous communities have utilized various parts of the Tisswood for medicinal purposes, taking advantage of the plant’s natural compounds. However, in contemporary uses, it sees more horticultural application due to its hardiness and evergreen leaves, which maintain aesthetic value even in winter months.

The Tisswood’s historical significance and continued utility underscore its importance within the wider botanical and ecological community. The comprehensive description found in Systema Vegetabilium (1825) by pioneers like (L.) Spreng. ensures that the knowledge of this adaptable and resilient plant continues to benefit future generations of botanists, ecologists, and landscape designers.

Common Names

Eng: red bay, redbay, tisswood
En: Tisswood, Red bay, Swamp redbay, Yellow warbler, Redbay
Ar: غار أحمر
Fa: پرسی بربنیا
Ru: Персея бурбонская

Synonyms

• Persea carolinensis ((Catesby ex Michx.) Nees)
• Ocotea plumieri (Kostel.)
• Tamala littoralis ((Small) Small)
• Persea carolinensis f. glabriuscula ((Meisn.) Mez)
• Borbonia littoralis ((Small) House)
• Persea carolinensis var. glabriuscula (Meisn.)
• Borbonia borbonia ((L.) House)
• Tamala borbonia ((L.) Raf.)
• Borbonia carolinensis (J.Presl)
• Tamala carolinensis (Raf.)
• Persea littoralis (Small)
• Ocotea carolinensis (Kostel.)
• Nothaphoebe borbonia ((L.) Pax)
• Laurus carolinensis var. glabra (Pursh)
• Laurus carolinensis var. obtusa (Pursh)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Taylor Shook (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Taylor Shook (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by shawn christenberry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by adam michael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 2, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2008 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daderot (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Taken Oct 8, 2008 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2013 by EOL − Matthew Herron (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034048)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30100501-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.7

Ph minimum: 5.0