Loblolly Bay
ExplorePlants
Loblolly Bay
gordonia lasianthus
Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is an elegant, medium-sized evergreen tree native to the acidic wetlands and damp coastal plains of the southeastern United States. Belonging to the tea family (Theaceae), it is highly admired for its handsome, dark green foliage and showy, aromatic white blossoms that closely resemble camellias. This species plays a vital role in wetland ecology, providing nesting sites for birds and dense cover for various swamp-dwelling wildlife.
Habitat: Found in acidic, wet, sandy soils of bay swamps, flatwoods, and boggy depressions throughout the southeastern United States.
Appearance
This tree typically grows to heights of 10 to 24 meters, featuring a narrow, columnar crown and dark, deeply furrowed bark. Its leathery, lance-shaped leaves are alternate, finely serrated, and glossy dark green on top with a pale, dull green underside. During the summer, it bears delicate, 5-petaled white flowers measuring about 5 to 8 centimeters across, marked by a bright dome of golden-yellow stamens in the center.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyTheaceaeGenusGordonia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its soft, close-grained wood is reddish-brown and was historically used to make cabinets and wooden bowls, though it holds little commercial timber value today.
Loblolly Bay is a member of the family Theaceae, making it a close relative of both ornamental camellias and the commercial tea plant.
The common name 'loblolly' historically referred to a swampy depression or mud hole, which perfectly describes the boggy soils where this tree thrives.
Special abilities
Ability
Acidic Soil Tolerance
Specially adapted to thrive in waterlogged, highly acidic, and nutrient-poor soils where most other tree species cannot survive.
Ability
Evergreen Photosynthesis
Retains its thick, waxy leaves year-round, allowing it to produce energy even during mild winter days in its southern range.
Ability
Fire-Resilient Bark
Mature specimens develop thick, deeply ridged bark that helps protect the vital inner cambium layer from low-intensity fires.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1000-2400 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-150 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Loblolly Bay synthesizes its own organic compounds from sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Sweetbay Silkmoth
Callosamia securifera
Loblolly Bay serves as the primary larval host plant for this specialized silk moth species.
mutualism
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit the fragrant, pollen-rich white blossoms during the summer, acting as primary pollinators.
mutualism
Palamedes Swallowtail
Papilio palamedes
Adult butterflies visit the flowers to drink nectar, facilitating cross-pollination.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Loblolly Bay?
The easiest way to identify Loblolly Bay is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Loblolly Bay?
1000-2400 cm
How long does Loblolly Bay live?
50-150 years
What does Loblolly Bay eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Loblolly Bay synthesizes its own organic compounds from sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Where is Loblolly Bay usually found?
Found in acidic, wet, sandy soils of bay swamps, flatwoods, and boggy depressions throughout the southeastern United States.
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