| Loblolly Bay is a fairly common medium-sized evergreen tree of moist (but not wet) areas of the Coastal Plain with upright form and spectacular white fragrant Camellia-like flowers in summer. Like Camellia, Gordonia is in the tea family. Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| One of our showiest native trees, Loblolly Bay is reportedly difficult to grow in cultivation. Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.
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| Though Loblolly Bay is mostly evergreen, some leaves turn red and drop off in the fall. Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.
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| Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| There are numerous yellow stamens in each flower. Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| Open capsule from last year. The dry capsule, which has five locules and is loculicidal (opening along the seams), dispenses winged seeds. Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| The leathery leaves are finely toothed, unlike those of Swamp Bay (Persea palustris), which it could be confused with when not in flower or fruit. Planted specimen, Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.
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| Ripening fruits. Dare Co., NC 10/2/05.
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| Bladen Co., NC 10/7/06.
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| Dare Co., NC 10/2/05.
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| Bark of a young tree. Bladen Co., NC 3/25/07.
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| Bark of a medium-sized tree. The bark of medium-large trees is tight, blocky, and deeply furrowed, reminiscent of the bark of Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) or Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus). Bladen Co., NC 3/25/07.
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| Bark of a larger tree. Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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| Bladen Co., NC 8/12/2007.
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More information:
Floridata
NC State Fact Sheet
USDA PLANTS database
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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