Red Bay (Persea borbonia)

Red Bay is a fragrant evergreen tree of the Deep South whose aromatic leaves have seasoned Cajun and Creole gumbos, jambalayas, and stews for generations — a living spice rack rooted in the bayou. The Gautreau and Gotrot families of Louisiana's Acadian country knew this tree as a kitchen essential and a woodland constant, its glossy leaves carrying the same bay laurel fragrance that defines Southern cooking.