How to identify Gordonia (Gordonia lasianthus)

How to identify Gordonia (Gordonia lasianthus)

Gordonia, also known as Red Bay

Gordonia boasts a columnar or pyramidal silhouette reaching 35 to 70 feet (10.7 to 21.3 meters) in height with a trunk diameter of up to 20 inches (50.8 cm). The foliage presents as a compact crown of spreading branches. The evergreen leaves occasionally transform to a stunning scarlet shade. During the summer months, gordonia is adorned with fragrant, Camellia-like white flowers that persist until frost, contributing to its visual appeal.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Gordonia

Compact crown with spreading branches.

Leaves measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, turning bright red in fall.

Distinctive white flowers with 5 waxy, rounded petals and golden stamens.

Oval fruit capsule with woody exterior, split into five valves.

Smooth stems, moderately thick (0.2 to 0.4 inches or 0.5 to 1 cm), slightly woody.

Detailed Traits of Gordonia

Leaf Features

The leaves of gordonia are oblong, dark green, and glossy with a leathery texture. They measure 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide. Margins are toothed, and the underside is pale green. Some leaves may turn bright red in fall, dropping gradually over the next year. They are broad near the outer margins, making them distinguishing features of this plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of gordonia are characterized by their pristine white, fragrant blossoms measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter. Each flower features 5 waxy, rounded, silky petals encircling numerous golden stamens. These blooms appear singly in the leaf axils near the ends of branches, typically during mid-summer. The flowers are often perched high on the tree, attached by long red flower stalks emerging from leaf axils, blooming sporadically from July to September.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of gordonia are characterized by a smooth texture and a distinctive coloration that includes shades of green and brown. They are moderately thick, ranging from about 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is irregular with occasional nodes. A unique feature is the stem's slightly woody nature, which gives it a firm yet flexible quality. This combination of features helps in easy identification and differentiation from similar species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of gordonia is an oval-shaped, hard capsule approximately 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length. Its woody exterior is covered by a soft down and splits into five pointed valves upon maturity. Inside each valve are four to eight flat seeds, each adorned with a distinctive winged design. Characteristically capsuled, this fruit exhibits a natural downy coat and appears during September to October in places like North Carolina. Its unique woody structure and the encapsulated, winged seeds are notable for those interested in plant identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Identify Gordonia easily and quickly

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