Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen
Shape
Oblanceolate to elliptic with zero lobes
Margin
Finely serrate
Arrangement
Alternate with a distinct petiole
Venation
Pinnate venation with moderately prominent veins
Key Features
Leathery elliptic blade, finely toothed margin, and alternate attachment
Description
An evergreen tree with smooth dark bark, large showy white flowers, and glossy dark green foliage
Habitat
Wet acidic soils, swamps, and stream margins in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States coastal plain
Notes
In Sumter South Carolina
Identified on 10/16/2026