Share

Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Gordonia lasianthus (Gordonia)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Gordonia lasianthus (L.) Ellis

Gordonia, Loblolly bay

Theaceae (Tea Family)

USDA Symbol: gola

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Evergreen tree or shrub with showy, large, white, fragrant flowers; narrow, compact crown of upright branches; and shiny, leathery foliage. Loblolly-bay is a showy, slender, flowering tree with evergreen leaves. Its ultimate size depends on soil moisture, ranging from 30-80 ft. The dark-green, glossy foliage provides a suitable backdrop for numerous large, white flowers. Resembling camellia flowers, five waxy petals surround a mass of golden stamens. The fragrant flowers occur singly at leaf axils but are concentrated at the branch tips, giving the appearance of clusters.

The bark was once used locally for tanning leather. The Latin species name means hairy-flowered. This genus, honoring James Gordon (1728-91), British nurseryman, includes about 30 species; all the others are in southeastern Asia and Indomalaysia.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Inflorescence: Axillary
Size Notes: Normally 30 to 60 ft high. Tallest on record is 84 feet.
Leaf: Dark Green
Flower: Flowers 2-3 inches wide
Fruit: Tan
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Bloom Notes: Bloom period lasts until frost. The fragrant flowers tend to open individually instead of all at once.

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , MS , NC , SC
Native Distribution: NC, s. to FL & w. to LA
Native Habitat: Wetlands
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Moist, fertile, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: Though usually seen in wetlands, Loblolly Bay is tolerant of dry, sandy soil, in which it grows in the wild as a large shrub. It does not tolerate drought and will need winter wind and sun protection at the northern limits of its range. The plant can be finicky and short-lived under cultivation unless its natural habitat is closely matched. Root rot can be a problem when young.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: A glossy-leaved evergreen tree with fragrant blooms. Can be used as canopy or understory.
Use Wildlife: Deer browse foliage.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings are used; some authorities say cuttings root easily, others say rooting is sporadic. Sow seeds outdoors in sandy soil. Some will germinate the following year; others require an addition
Seed Collection: Gather seeds in late summer when the capsules show signs of splitting. Dry capsules in paper bag until they open.
Seed Treatment: Seed requires no special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Native evergreens for privacy in Crockett, TX
October 12, 2008
I need advice on what tall evergreens I can plant along a fence line for privacy. I need trees that will be at minimum 8 to 10 feet tall at maturity, are aesthetically pleasing and provide privacy. ...
view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Gordonia lasianthus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Gordonia lasianthus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gordonia lasianthus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-11-02
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back