Loblolly-bay is an attractive evergreen tree, 60-70 feet in height, 12-18 inches in diameter.  It ascending branches forming a narrow, ovoid crown.  On sterile soil, it is a low, sprawling shrub. 
 
Leaves 

Leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, and persistent.  The leaves are 4-6 inches long, 1.5-2 inches wide, elliptical-shaped, with an acute apex.  Leaf bases are wedge-shaped.  Leaf margins are finely or obscurely toothed above the middle of the leaf blade.  Leaf surfaces are dark green above, paler below, often with scattered, woolly hairs.  Petioles are 1/2 inch long, grooved above and winged toward the tip. 
 
Flowers 
 
The flowers of this tree are perfect, solitary, white, about 2-3 inches wide, fragrant, and long-stalked. 
 
Fruit 
 
Fruit is a woody, ovoid, hairy capsule, about 3/4 inch long, on a stalk.  At maturity it splits along 5 lines to below the middle.  Seeds are very small and winged. 
 
Twigs 

The twigs are moderately stout and dark brown.  The pith is homogeous. 
 
Bark 

The bark is thick, dark, reddish-brown, deeply furrowed, ridges scaly. 
 
Habitat 

The loblolly-bay grows best in swamps, bays, and in the wet conditions of the pine barrens of the coastal plains.  It is found from southern coastal Virginia, south the to central Florida; west to Louisiana. 
 
Use 

The wood of this tree has been used locally for cabinetry.  The bark contains suitable compounds for use in tanning.  Despite its attractive foliage and flowers, it is seldom used as an ornamental. 
 

Query the USDA Plant Database