Identifying Mystery Evergreens: Carolina Cherry Laurel vs. Sweetbay Magnolia

Your trees are likely either Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) or Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). Cherry Laurel has elliptical leaves 2-5 inches long, smooth gray bark, and greenish twigs. Sweetbay has larger leaves (4-6.5 inches), gray bark that may furrow, and hairy young twigs that become red-brown. Both are native. For more help, visit the Georgia Native Plant Society website.