Sweetbay Magnolia

(Magnolia virginiana)

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Magnolia virginiana, commonly known as Sweetbay Magnolia, is a tree that can be evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall. It is native to the southeastern United States, specifically the Atlantic coastal plain, from Florida to Long Island, New York, where it thrives in wetlands, lowlands, and swamps. The tree’s foliage is glossy and green, with leaves that are silver-backed, adding a shimmering effect in the breeze. Sweetbay Magnolia blooms from late spring to early summer, producing creamy white flowers with a potent vanilla fragrance detectable from a distance. The flowers are quite showy and can be up to 3 inches in diameter. The red-coated black seeds are favored by birds, which help in seed dispersal.

This species is valued for its striking flowers, aromatic scent, and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in parks and large gardens. It can provide an architectural element to landscape designs and is particularly appreciated for its evergreen qualities in warmer climates. Sweetbay Magnolia requires full sun to part shade and prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to leaf spot and scale insects. Despite its preference for wet conditions, it is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 15-20 feet
  • Width: 10-35 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous, Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, lowlands, and swamps of the southeastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Swamp-Laurel , Sweet Bay , Laurel Magnolia , Sweet Magnolia , Swamp Bay , Laurier Doux , Virginiamagnolia

Scientific Names: Magnolia virginiana , Magnolia virginiana var. virginiana , Magnolia glauca var. longifolia , Magnolia glauca var. pumila

GBIF Accepted Name: Magnolia virginiana L.