Swamp bay (Persea palustris) leaves were used by the Seminoles for tea, medicinal purposes, and during ceremonies. The leaves can also be used to flavor soup, like the commercial bay leaf, a different species.
Did You Know?
The bumps you may see on the leaves of the swamp bay, called galls, are created by small flying insects. They do not harm the tree though. Learn more about swamp bay in the UF IFAS Weekly "What is it?" post.
