Magnolia virginiana

Sweetbay

Magnolia virginiana is a deciduous to semi-evergreen small tree, commonly called sweetbay magnolia, valued for its creamy white, lemon-fragrant flowers, glossy green leaves with silvery undersides, and graceful, often multi-stemmed habit. In cooler parts of its range it is usually deciduous and smaller, while in warmer climates it can hold foliage longer and grow into a larger tree. Its tolerance for moist to wet soils makes it especially useful where many other magnolias struggle.

Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen tree
Mature Size: 10–20' W x 10–35' H
USDA Zones: 5b–9b
Form: Upright oval to rounded, often multi-stemmed, open to dense with age
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained to wet soil; medium to high water, especially during establishment; tolerates boggy and swampy sites
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring into summer, often May–June with sporadic repeat bloom afterward
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the red seeds are eaten by birds; it is also useful in native and wetland-friendly plantings.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen, patio tree, rain garden tree, naturalized planting, or for low, moist areas near ponds and streams. The fragrant flowers, handsome foliage, and bright red seeds add multi-season interest, and the silvery leaf undersides give the plant movement and contrast in wind. It is one of the best magnolias for wet sites.

Care: Plant in full sun to part shade in acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist, and water regularly while establishing. It needs little pruning beyond shaping or removing damaged wood. Best performance comes in sites protected from extreme drought and drying winds

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-35'

Width

10-20'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Multi Stem, Oval, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No