Loblolly-Bay

Gordonia lasianthus (L.) J. Ellis

gourd-DOAN-ee-ah laze-ee-ANN-thus

Theaceae

Explanation of name:  The generic name honors James Gordon, British horticulturist.  Lasianthus means “fringed flower.”

Natural range:   Southeastern U.S., in Florida central and northern counties

Recognition:  Small tree with large showy white camellia-like flowers

Landscape uses:  Native tree with very showy, fragrant, summer flowers for middle of state and above.  Fares well in Martin County, and cultivated at little in Palm Beach Co.    Indigenous to wet areas, this fast-growing tree does not live long, and requires ample moisture.  The roots are shallow.

Internet sources: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Loblolly_bay/loblobay.htm

http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/GORLASA.pdf