Swamp Bay
Tamala palustris
- Native to:
- Bahamas, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © eickwort (iNaturalist #15019191)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lauraceae
- Genus:
- Tamala
- Species:
- Tamala palustris
- USDA Symbol:
- PEPA37
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1830 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Red-humped caterpillar moth (Schizura concinna), Tulip-tree beauty (Epimecis hortaria), Urodus parvula, Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Phyllocnistis hyperpersea Butterflies:Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)