Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen
Shape
Oblanceolate with zero lobes
Margin
Serrate
Arrangement
Alternate with a short petiole
Venation
Pinnate with moderately prominent veins
Key Features
Leathery texture, glossy dark green upper surface, and finely serrate margin
Description
An evergreen tree or large shrub reaching medium height with dark, deeply furrowed bark. Produces large, showy white flowers with yellow stamens in summer.
Habitat
Wetlands, swamps, and poorly drained acidic soils in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States
Notes
Found in Sumter, South Carolina
Identified on 10/18/2026