Any thoughts on what tree this is? It's tall, maybe 30 to 40 feet. Growing in Jacksonville, TX.

It looks so much like a laurel or a rhododendron. I can't tell the size of the leaves, but will the berries darken?

Thanks for replying, Sharon.

I don't think it's either of those simply due to the size. It's a gigantic tree, much like a Magnolia grandiflora.

As for the leaves: they are about 2" long. I don't know if the berries will darken. The tree is in another part of the county and the owner doesn't know anything about it.

You're welcome. It's a beautiful tree.
I hope you get an ID, I'd like to know too.

It looks and sounds like one of the giant Hollies. I have seen a couple over 50 ft. tall and with thick trunks and visually shaped like Magnolias minus the large leaves. Time will tell if the berries start changing to yellow orange or red. Good Luck with your search!

Try Blackgum - Nyssa sylvatica

Thanks David.

I am starting to suspect that the tree is Nyssa sylvatica.

Cross posted with you, Jay!!!

Blackgum is a good guess. I think their berries turn darkish, right, Jay?

We all crossed! I agree. Blackgum.

Sharon said:Blackgum is a good guess. I think their berries turn darkish, right, Jay?

If you look at the first picture you can see a few of the berries have already turned dark.

Good eye. I never even noticed it in my own photo.

I was going to guess a bay tree but looks like you have the ID

A mystery solved! I'm glad you found the answer!