Latin name - Pimenta racemosa

Bay Rum, also called West Indian Bay to differentiate it from the Bay Leaf tree, is a beautiful upright tree with glossy green leaves and multi-colored new growth shoots.  The leaves are very fragrant, with a richly sweet and earthy aroma similar to its cousin the Allspice tree, with notes of clove and cinnamon.  There are two types:  regular Bay Rum, and a variant, Lemon Bay Rum, whose leaves have a distinct citrus aroma.  These are often used for hedging or as a specimen tree, due to their handsome Christmas tree-like growth habit.  The bark at maturity develops a multi-colored look and adds to the visual appeal of the tree.

Bay Rum trees grow to about 15-20 ft or taller, usually no more than 10 feet wide.  They can be shaped as an attractive “standard” or cut to shape for hedging.  They enjoy full sun, are drought tolerant, and cold hardy down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.  Bay Rum leaves can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, marinades, and other dishes, and are also used in herbal tea blends.  Oil can also be extracted from the leaves and has some medicinal properties.

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Size: 15-25 ft tall x 5-10 ft wide

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Cold Hardy: 30 degrees

Harvest Season:  Year Round

Watering requirements:  Drought tolerant when established

Food Forest Layer: Canopy