ID needed - unknown large Shrub

[Chester B]

Saw two of these in the Lowe’s parking lot in Atascocita (Houston)

I thought maybe Southern Wax Myrtle (Morelos cerifera) or Japanese Blueberry tree (Elaeocarpus  decipiens).  But after looking at online photos I don’t think it’s either. It has to be something pretty common to this area. 

[apriliarider15]

Perhaps an Illicium species. Foliage is similar to I. Floridians but most in our area are in bud right now

[Chester B]

10 minutes ago, apriliarider15 said:

Perhaps an Illicium species. Foliage is similar to I. Floridians but most in our area are in bud right now

You might be right on that, I didn't see any noticeable flower buds.  I've only seen the yellow variety in person, not the green. 

And you beat @Silas_Sancona to the first guess!

[thyerr01]

Maybe a Persea of some kind?

[Silas_Sancona]

34 minutes ago, Chester B said:

You might be right on that, I didn't see any noticeable flower buds.  I've only seen the yellow variety in person, not the green. 

And you beat @Silas_Sancona to the first guess!

 Sitting back and seeing who guesses what.. W/ out any flowers or fruit, it resembles half a dozen things..  In a nutshell,  not all that distinct / not exhibiting any apparent non flower / fruit- related  ID cues that jump off the page.

That said,  99% sure that isn't an Not an Anise.  Look very closely at at leaf size / arrangement..  No currently applied observations of it in that area as well.. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/71618-Schisandraceae   Most Anise will also have a distinct, Licorice- like scent when the leaves are broken.. Species i tried to grow in FL and CA did for sure.. 

Would look over observations of Red Bay, Persaa borbonia   Though it too doesn't quite fit, to my eye anyway.. ..Appears to be quite common around where you're located too..   https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/131585-Persea-borbonia

Sweetleaf, Symplocos tinctoria  is yet another contender.. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/141855-Symplocos-tinctoria

Would return periodically to check for flowers / fruit.. That will narrow the field of possibilities.

 

[redbeard917]

The closeup of the stems (3rd photo) does look like Persea. I don't know about those light colored veins in the leaves though. Definitely not Myrica (wax myrtle), which has serrations on the leaf.

[Chester B]

10 hours ago, redbeard917 said:

The closeup of the stems (3rd photo) does look like Persea. I don't know about those light colored veins in the leaves though. Definitely not Myrica (wax myrtle), which has serrations on the leaf.

They do sell Avocados at Lowes, I'm not sure about other species of Persea though.  This is located in an outdoor lunch area for the employees.  Some of the plants still have tags which are all Lowes tags, so that could possibly be it.  Thanks

[redbeard917]

FaceBook is generally execrable, but I've had great results getting plant identifications from strangers around the country, sometimes even credentialed experts. You have to create an account and find a plant ID group to join. Look for one with a large number of members or one particular to your area. Or more wisely, avoid FB at all costs.