General Landscape Uses: Ornamental tree, hedge or screen, fragrance garden, medicinal or culinary garden, wildlife attraction, coastal and drought-tolerant landscaping, shade tree
Ecological Restoration Notes: Reforestation, erosion control and soil stabilization, habitat restoration, climate mitigation, agroforestry systems, watershed protection
Description: Often times mistaken for ‘Allspice’ since their leaves have a similar appearance and aroma. The name itself is also confused with that of ‘Bay Leaf or Bay Laurel’. Bay Rum is most commonly used in cooking since the leaves have a fusion of aromas.
Dimensions: Height 8 – 10 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Native Range: Caribbean
Native Habitats: Coastal forests, tropical wet and dry forests, hillsides and rocky slopes, riparian zones
Soils: Well-drained loamy, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 – 7.5)
Nutritional Requirements: Moderate
Salt Water Tolerance: Moderate
Salt Wind Tolerance: High to Moderate
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Flower Color: White
Flower Characteristics: Small, clustered in groups
Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer
Fruit: Small, black berries that resemble peppercorns.
Wildlife and Ecology: habitat and food source, soil health and erosion control, forest succession, drought and salt tolerance, carbon sequestration
Horticultural Notes: Grown from seed, cuttings, and air layering.
Comments:
Gregory Hamilton –
love the smell
Anastasia P Ealy –
I had been looking for a Bay Rum Tree for a while and came across Smarty Plants Nursery .. was a little nervous of how the tree would arrive .. I’m so happy with my little tree. It arrived looking fantastic. I have left in bucket and will allow it exhale after its journey and soon will plant it in the yard .. Looks great and smells fantastic. Brings back great childhood memories. Thank you !
Laurie Z. –
The Bay Rum arrived in perfect condition! Look forward to years of growth. For those interested, you can make a tincture from the leaves to keep mosquitos away. you can also crush leaves for the same reason.