Gordonia lasianthus (loblolly bay), pure white golden-throated flower of the native evergreen tree
Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), white summer flower and glossy evergreen foliage
Gordonia lasianthus, camellia-like white flowers on the native Southern tree
Loblolly bay foliage and smooth gray bark, Gordonia lasianthus
Gordonia lasianthus (loblolly bay), pure white golden-throated flower of the native evergreen tree
Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), white summer flower and glossy evergreen foliage
Gordonia lasianthus, camellia-like white flowers on the native Southern tree
Loblolly bay foliage and smooth gray bark, Gordonia lasianthus
Pollinator Fragrant Native

Loblolly Bay

Gordonia lasianthus

$27.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 7–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 40–60 Feet

Gordonia lasianthus, the loblolly bay, is a stately native evergreen of the Southern coastal plain, bearing large, fragrant, camellia-like white flowers through the heat of summer.

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The Full Story

Read the full plant profile, with design and field notes, on our blog.

There are trees that feel as though they were written into the land's original scripture, and Gordonia lasianthus, the loblolly bay, is one of them: a native evergreen of the Southern coastal plain whose white flowers gleam like prayers unfolding in the heat of high summer.

This noble member of the tea family, Theaceae, shares kinship with the celebrated camellias and with Franklinia alatamaha, that long-lost ghost tree of Georgia's riverbanks. But unlike the mythic cousin, the loblolly bay has remained a quiet and constant presence, thriving in the moist, acidic soils of pinewoods, boggy hollows, and sandy seepage slopes from Virginia to eastern Texas.

Reaching a stately height in the wild, often thirty to sixty feet, the tree grows straight and tall with smooth gray bark and a narrow crown. The evergreen leaves are glossy and lance-shaped, catching light like bayonets, while the flowers, large, pure white, and golden-throated, open in succession from early summer into August. Each bloom lasts but a day, yet the steady procession brings a quiet brilliance to the woodland edge when most other native trees have long finished flowering. Early American botanists exploring the southeastern wilderness admired the tree, and William Bartram praised the grace of the loblolly bay in the wet pine savannas of Florida.

Gordonia can be particular in cultivation, but rewards the careful gardener. The tree prefers moist yet well-drained sandy soils, especially along seeps and natural woodland slopes, and will not abide standing water or heavy, compacted ground, where the plant languishes or perishes. Given the right site, though, the loblolly bay grows straight and tall, flowers faithfully, and offers a taste of the native grandeur of the Southern wilderness.

Photos courtesy of Will Cook and Scott Zona.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Moist
Mature size
Height 40–60 Feet · Spread 20–30 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

Give the loblolly bay a moist, acid, sandy site with sharp drainage, a seepage slope, a pond or bog margin, or a native woodland edge, and let the narrow evergreen crown and midsummer white flowers do their quiet work where few other trees bloom in the heat. The one hard rule is drainage: the tree wants steady moisture but will perish in standing water or compacted clay. Pair with other acid-loving natives such as sweetbay magnolia, itea, and clethra, and site where the fragrant, camellia-like flowers and glossy evergreen foliage can be enjoyed at close range.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

White, fragrant, June to September

Flower. The flowers of Gordonia lasianthus are among the South's most elegant native blooms: pure white, saucer-shaped, roughly three to four inches across, with five rounded petals that unfurl like crepe in the humid air of midsummer. Each carries a striking central boss of golden stamens that glows like a candle flame against the cool white. Individual flowers are short-lived, often falling by evening, but they open in succession over many weeks from late June through August, a stately procession when most trees have finished. The bloom is lightly fragrant, giving the tree a bridal quality on the woodland edge.

Foliage. Evergreen and refined, the leaves are lanceolate, long and narrow with smooth, gently wavy margins, three to six inches long, deep green and lustrous above and paler beneath. Arranged alternately along slender stems, they form an airy, upright canopy that holds a dignified presence even in winter, more camellia than typical American broadleaf evergreen.

Fruit. Small, woody, egg-shaped capsules, about half to three-quarters of an inch long, ripen in late autumn and split into five segments to release tiny winged seeds. Not showy, but the capsules persist into winter and add a subtle texture, a reminder of the plant's place in the tea family alongside Franklinia and Camellia.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; more sun gives a fuller crown and heavier bloom.

Soil. Moist but well-drained, acid, sandy soil rich in organic matter; never standing water or heavy clay.

Water. Steady, consistent moisture, especially while establishing; the tree dislikes both drought and waterlogging.

Pruning. Little needed; remove dead or crossing wood in late winter and let the narrow natural form develop.

Hardiness. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
As written on The Node
Loblolly-bay (Gordonia lasianthus): the swamp’s camellia—and a masterclass in place-based design
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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