Quick answer: Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is native to 7 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil | Moist, fertile, acidic (tolerates dry sandy) |
| Bloom | May-Nov (until frost) |
| Height | 30-60 ft (to 84 ft recorded) |
| Wildlife value | Deer browse foliage |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Loblolly bay
Where is Loblolly bay native?
Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Loblolly bay bloom?
Loblolly bay blooms May-Nov (until frost). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Loblolly bay need?
Light: Sun. Water: High. Soil: Moist, fertile, acidic (tolerates dry sandy). Mature height: 30-60 ft (to 84 ft recorded).
Is Loblolly bay good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Deer browse foliage.
Where can I buy real Loblolly bay seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Gordonia lasianthus on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Loblolly bay.
- Spanish dagger Yucca aloifolia
- Stokes aster Stokesia laevis
- Cabbage palmetto Sabal palmetto
- American olive Osmanthus americanus
- Silky camellia Stewartia malacodendron
- Titi cyrilla Cyrilla racemiflora
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