Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is an evergreen usually shrub-like but can grow tall like a tree.  The glossy green leaves are like that of a magnolia but smaller and the flowers resemble a white camellia…very striking right now all over Boiling Spring Lakes!  These shrubs are typical of bay forests and thickets along low ditches in the coastal plain which is the northernmost extent of their range.  Loblolly Bay will be blooming for the next couple of weeks so enjoy it while you can!